Showing 181–192 of 313 results
This charming provincial statue is Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion of Pure Land Mahayana Buddhism, by far the largest Chinese Buddhist sect. Portrayed here as the White Hooded Guanyin one of her frequent portrayal in temples and home shrines worldwide, she sits in lalitsana, the position of royal ease with her right leg bent and…
18 original Lohans were the major disciples of Shakyamuni Buddha whom he, at his death bed, entrusted to protect and promulgate Buddhist teachings. Over centuries, their numbers increased to over 500 enlightened beings recognized for their courage and supernatural powers. In Mahayana Buddhism, Lohans represent the ideal toward which Buddhist devotees should strive as they…
This 19th-century miniature wood figure is a finely and whimsically carved portly seated merchant. He is depicted as a Laowai or “old foreigner” with a westernized face and hat and oversized hands placed on his knees. Seated on a platform base, he wears garments reflective of the Chinese culture at this time but wears a hat that is clearly not of Chinese origin. Other indications this charming figure is a foreigner include the roundness of his face, western facial features and oversized hands.
Lao carved Buddha statues are renowned for their delicacy and refinement. This elegant antique Buddha is depicted in the “Calling for Rain” mudra found only in Laos with his half-closed gazing downward in meditation, elegant gestures, lyrical flaring robes and graceful curves of the body reflecting the Buddha’s gentleness. The curvature, proportions and oversized head indicate the perfection, wisdom and compassion of the “Enlightened One. He stands on a multi-tiered circular and waisted base. Carved Laotian images as old and elegant as this are rare.
Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, is one of the most beloved Mahayana Buddhist deities, the embodiment of loving-kindness who hears the cries of all beings, and who is one of the Great Chinese Goddesses – who are compassionate protectors who grant health, long life and safety to all devotees regardless of their social position. During…
The Kitchen God (Zao Shen) was and still is among the most important Chinese house gods. Traditionally every family had its own Kitchen God with or without his wife above the stove to reflect his and its central position in the family’s life. The Kitchen God is both a syncretic and a tutelary deity embraced…
This enchanting carving depicts Nanhai Guanyin in her Cave on Mount Putuo seated in lalitsana, below a symbolic arch of draped moss with bright pigmentation and considerable gilt. Nanhai Guanyin was massively popular during the Ming/Qing dynasties and provincial wood images were made home altars throughout China. She holds scrolls representing the dharma and sutras, behind her is a vial with the tears of her humanity and parrot, her constant companion. Small Nanhai images with all these symbols in this condition are very rare.
This charming oil lamp is decorated with auspicious symbols: Fish symbolize harmony, marital happiness and double fish mean “may there be abundance.” The oil cup is a lotus seed with a lotus leaf, symbols of a harmonious and fruitful marriage and also mean “the continuous birth of sons.”
This charming oil lamp is decorated with auspicious symbols: Fish symbolize harmony, marital happiness and double fish mean “may there be abundance.” The oil cup is a lotus seed with a lotus leaf, symbols of a harmonious and fruitful marriage and also mean “the continuous birth of sons,”
Zhenwu (Perfected Warrior) is one of the most important and powerful Taoist deities, god of one of the 4 cardinal directions (the north) revered for his potent magical powers to suppress demonic forces. This provincial image for personal devotion and reflects his classic iconography: seated on a throne, bare feet resting on a snake and a tortoise, a celestial scarf and maille armor. Intricately carved he has a powerful presence.
Zhenwu (aka Xuanwu, Wuandi and Zhenwudadi) is one of the most revered Chinese Taoist figures, venerated for his ability to heal as well as to protect his country and the emperor. There are various depictions of his attire, but here he wears a plain black robe with an official’s belt which he holds in his…
Zhenwu was known by many names and titles, the most common ones being the True Warrior, Perfected Warrior or Northern Emperor. As one of the most popular Taoist-Deities during the Ming and Qing dynasties he was an emperor known as protector of the state and the imperial family. During the imperial dynasties was a patron…
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