syncretic

Syncretism, the creation of new ideas and traditions by fusing elements from multiple and distinct sources, generally applies to religion, cultures and schools of thought. By their nature, Asian religious traditions and philosophies particularly Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and other minor religions are syncretic (blended) as they are inherently integrative and inclusive absorbing tenets of other religions. In China this concept is exemplified at the highest level with the four traditions of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and Popular Religion blending so harmoniously and seamlessly that many scholars view them as components of one dynamic religious system with each one providing a significant and complementary role. As Edmond Eh states, Daoism reflects the Dao (道), “natural creative power,” Confucianism reflects de (德), “virtue” or “power” and Buddhism reflects wu (悟), “awakening” or “realization.” The three together along with folk beliefs are absorbed in Popular Religion. This syncretic blending is exemplified in the placement of images of all traditions on home shrines, shared celebrations and festivals and the use of Buddhist monks and Taoist priests simultaneously for rituals and ceremonies. Guanyin is an excellent example of a syncretic deity.

Sources:

Edmond Eh, “Chinese Religious Syncretism in Macau”, Orientis Aura: Macau Perspectives in Religious Studies, 2:63-80 (2017)

Showing 13–24 of 38 results

  • Sale!

    Antique Mazu Empress of Heaven in Horseshoe Chair, China #6003

    Original price was: $1,050.00.Current price is: $750.00.
    H: 15.375” W: 8.625” D: 7.5” | FOR a  SHIPPING quote CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030 or email [email protected]

    This Mazu, the protector of sea farers, is portrayed as the imperially sanctioned “Empress of Heaven” seated on an elaborate horseshoe shaped dragon throne, hands clasped symbolically holding a hu tablet, adorned with elegant dragon robes, an official’s girdle, a flat-topped Empress headdress and small feet resting on a pair of gilt fu lions. Meant to be seen from all sides this beautiful carving is decorated on front and back.

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    Antique Ming Songzi Guanyin, Bestower of Children, China #16057BAK

    Original price was: $1,350.00.Current price is: $1,100.00.
    H: 11”  W: 5.75”  D: 5.125” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This very rare and fine 16th century home shrine image displays the benign and compassionate countenance of Songzi Guanyin the “Bestower of Children.”  With round face and joyful half-closed and eyes, she looks lovingly at the child whose arm is draped over hers.and leans slightly forward,  wearing a 5- lobed crown centered with a camellia flower a Chinese symbol of young sons and daughters. The inscription on the back dates the piece to 1521-1567

  • Antique Nuo Opera Mask of Tudi Gong, China (16574BAK) $575

    $575.00
    H: 10.5”  W:7.75”  D: 3” | FREE SHIPPING!

    This amusing antique Nuo Opera mask portrays Tudi Gong, the benevolent Earth god with a smiling animated face, long eyebrows, a hemp beard and large ears  wearing a high decorative hat. Tudi is a zhengshen, a god who is kindly, honest with a gentle disposition, symbolizing the great power of good, through which evil can be defeated. Nuo was popular during the Ming and Qing dynasties and although they are still performed in rural areas, there are few remaining troupes.

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    Antique Polychrome Mazu “Holy Mother in Heaven,” China #3429AEM

    Original price was: $1,450.00.Current price is: $875.00.
    H: 19.25″  W: 10″  D: 8.75″ |CALL 213-568-3030 OR EMAIL [email protected] FOR SHIPPING

    Seated imperiously on a horseshoe chair with legs on a turquoise embossed pedestal on a base with carved  characters of her title “Holy Mother in Heaven,” this majestic Mazu is depicted in the imperial style, wearing a regal flat topped headdress and elaborate robes with dragons and an officials girdle at the waist highlighted in red and covered with gilt. This wonderful carving is in excellent condition after years of use.

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  • Antique Queen Mother of the West Casting Out Demons, China (16093BSK) $585

    $585.00

    The Queen Mother of the West is one of the most significant of the female Taoist-deities and as a syncretic deity, has a huge Popular Religion and Buddhist cult following.  She is one of the Great Chinese Goddesses and patron deity of women who controls life and death, creation and destruction and determines the life…

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    Antique Queen Mother of the West on Horse with Elixir Bowl, China #16297BLEM

    Original price was: $3,750.00.Current price is: $2,900.00.
    H:  22″    W: 8.75″    D: 10″    |  CALL 213-568-3030 OR EMAIL [email protected] FOR SHIPPING.

    Wearing a magnificent headdress with her iconic phoenix this rare image of the Taoist Queen Mother holds a cup with the elixir of immortality which grants eternal life. She sits on an regal horse with a bell hanging  on his chest. In the Taoist tradition horses symbolize man’s harmony with and the elegance of nature.

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  • Antique Rare Large Lohan with Hands in Reverence, China (16436A-WHKE) SPECIAL PRICE

    $7,300.00
    H: 28.25  W: 12.75”  D: 9.75” | CALL 213-568-3030 OR EMAIL [email protected] FOR SHIPPING COST

    Although they are Buddhist images,  Lohans are portrayed as a real person with very individual, distinctive, and un-idealized features.  His benevolent youthful sweetly smiling face with downcast eyes is an image of compassion, wisdom and peace.This exceptional, beautifully crafted rare 17-18th century Ming/Qing large Lohan is from the same Buddhist location as the foreign-born heavy bearded Lohan Bodhidharma, and the same artist may have carved both. We recommend keeping them as a pair to display together.

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    Antique Rare White Robed Guanyin on a Hǒu, China #16963BKE

    Original price was: $725.00.Current price is: $650.00.
    H: 15.125”  W: 6”  D: 5” | FREE SHIPPING within Continental U.S.!

    This charming rare White Robed Guanyin sits on a Hǒu, the mythical guardian beast that symbolizes righteousness and morality and the mandate to usher in peace and prosperity. This Hǒu is a gentle Buddhist creature curled around Guanyin’s side as she in lalitsana clasping a rosary. This fine and rare provincial folk version of Guanyin is a small yet powerful carving, mounted on a frosted Acrylic base.

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    Antique Small Guanyin on a Radiating Lotus, China #16534MSK

    Original price was: $595.00.Current price is: $495.00.
    H: 8.675″  Dia: 4.5″ | Free SHIPPING IN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This delicate small Mahayana Buddhist carving of seated White Robed Guanyin in meditation sits in meditation on a radiating lotus throne  symbolizing her enlightenment, rebirth and purity. As a Popular Religion figure, she is humble, modest, relatable, accessible, yet a beautiful matronly figure. This beautiful figurine was placed on a home altar with other spiritual statues and house gods.  Mounted on a frosted acrylic base.

  • Sale!

    Antique Songzi Guanyin, Bestower of Children, China #16311XOKE

    Original price was: $2,650.00.Current price is: $1,975.00.
    H: 14.5”  W: 8.25”  D: 5”    |  CALL 213-568-3030 OR EMAIL [email protected] FOR SHIPPING COST

    This beautiful Guanyin is carved in the rural provincial tradition: a modest, compassionate and humble deity with a simple “crown” of lotus leaves and an unadorned robe with flowing sleeves extended to her plain pedestal lined with simple leaves. Her face is extremely empathetic with a slight smile as she tenderly grasping her child who resembles the infant Buddha. Given its size and elegance it was probably on a home altar of a well to do couple desirous of having a (male) baby.

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  • Antique Stone Earth God Tudi Gong, China (17406BSK) $725

    $725.00
    H: 8”  W: 5”  D4” | FREE SHIPPING!

    This antique stone Tudi Gong statue was finely crafted by a local provincial artisan and reflects many traditional characteristics of this beloved lower status deity: a benevolent face, voluminous rotund belly, slouched shoulders, and holding taels to bestow wealth and fortune and maybe assurances to rural common folk. In his past he rested happily on an outdoor shrine, and would be very happy to continue doing so in a home garden to bring prosperity and an aura of past times to a new family.

  • Antique Taoist Literature God on a Dragon, China (16615PBRK) SPECIAL PRICE

    $795.00

    Initially linked to the Big Dipper in Chinese mythology, Wen Chang is  worshipped in the 3rd and 8th months as the God of several spheres: Literature, Books and Writing, Education, Learning and Examinations and is the patron saint of scholars. As one of the revered Taoist-deities, hero and one of the house-gods closely associated with…

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