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This extremely rare late Ming/early Qing dynasty antique-Chinese-wood-carving carving is divided in two parts and is significant for its juxtaposition of images as well as its unique iconography. The top is one of the Taoist officials in typical officials-attire: an official’s hat, a tiered robe with a red sash extending to the tops of the…
This very finely carved figure of an ancestor was commissioned by a family of either high status or wealth, having been carved from a single piece of an exquisite and rare hardwood with a lustrous patina. The exquisite carving in beautiful dense wood and patina make this a wonderful and distinctive piece.
Attendants like this often accompanied Taoist figures on home altars, along with other deities and spiritual images. They frequently presented offerings to them which, when tied with ribbons, symbolized “ longevity for generations”. This 18-19th century carving may have accompanied a significant deity as the statue was covered in gilt and lacquer, some which has naturally darkened from age and from years of incense, age and use.
Simple attractive antique welded Indian iron pot with warm rust color patina. Clear lines indicate where pieces were joined in its construction. Egg shape with a rounded bottom for easy pouring, it has a warmth to add charm to any room, especially a kitchen or filled with dried flowers.
This ancestor figure, carved in boxwood the preferred wood softwood during the Qing Dynasty, is portrayed in the characteristic pose of a Chinese civilian official, grasping his official’s belt with his right hand to demonstrate his important stature – which was really not so important for this gentleman, given his humble seating furniture and his modest attire. His right hand rests on the his knee as he sits erect on a thick low-back pedestal. Unlike many officials who are serious, this one is more approachable, with simple deeply carved smiling features, high arching brows and a black painted mustache and beard.
The auspicious symbols on this charming document holder which are puns for “harmony and unity in marriage” indicate it was it was probably a wedding gift. And would serve that purpose admirably today as a decorative practical accessory and something you won’t find on a wedding registry.
Tudi Gong is the Chinese Earth or Land God referred to by many names and often fondly referred to by commoners as “Grandpa.” He is a syncretic deity and tutelary deity, responsible for administrating and protecting the affairs of small towns and villages, especially issues concerning agriculture or wealth, and is believed to control the…
Statues of attendants often appear as a pair looking inward and flanking a deity, unless they are very important ones and look straight ahead. They may carry a range of offerings. This antique Chinese woodcarving appears to be a Taoist image likely placed on a home altar along with deities, house gods and ancestors to…
Guanyin’s elegance, compassion and serenity are emphasized in this graceful antique provincial carving. Portrayed in meditation with flowing robes on a majestic three-tiered lotus throne she was designed for personal veneration in a home setting.
This delicately detailed Guanyin statue in meditation on a two-tiered backless throne has flowing braids, simple necklace, and voluminous robes indicating her regal status, while her pendulous ears, compassionate downcast eyes, serene contemplative expression, and calm smile symbolize her enlightened status. The image’s distinguishing feature is its deeply carved three-part diadem (crown) centered with a carved Amitabha Buddha on lotus throne surrounded by an aureole.
This very attractive antique green glazed teapot is typical of the stoneware pottery made in the Shiwan kilns in Guangdong during the 18-19th century. Finely designed, this hexagonal pot has a yoked rounded handle with spiral decorations that adds a delightful touch. The pieces are well known for their brilliant flambé—or flame-like quality – glazes such as apple green glaze of this pot.
Hindus use oil lamps (diya) like for ritual prayer rituals (puja) performed on home altars. Light and the act of lighting a lamp signify purity, virtuosity, goodness and brings one good luck and power. Peacocks are common motifs symbolize love, joy, peace and harmony.
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