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This pair of red and gold antique carvings were likely part of a woman’s bed frame to bless and protect its occupants. The lions hold spherical 5-leaf plums as a wish for the 5 blessings and for passing civilian official exams Mounted on a frosted acrylic base.
This beautifully carved God of Wealth (Caishen) is portrayed as are all Taoist deities as an authoritative figure, right hand firmly placed on his knee and left hand holding a tael. His outer robe has decorative borders down the front and carved coins at the shoulders, stomach, and an undergarment is gathered with a floral designed tasseled cord. His well-defined face with incised wrinkles and long beard has a benevolent expression with rounded cheeks and an open mouth, topped by an elaborate official’s hat with ribbon-like extensions. Very fittingly, it is painted with red and gold both associated with wealth.
Buddhist statues like this Guanyin held up by 4 grotesque creatures in the realms of hell warn us to be more diligent in our spiritual efforts and actions. Demons do not remain demons forever and remind us that people, like demons, can change in their constant transition toward enlightenment. Not harmful, demons are just obstacles – greed, aversion, and ignorance – that we must respect and overcome through good deeds and thoughts,
Guanyin sits on an elaborate lotus throne held up by 9 lotuses, 8 with long stem and 1 with flat leaves. Only enlightened beings sit on a lotus, the Buddhist symbol of purity and the potential for all beings to achieve enlightenment and a 5-lobed crown reflecting her stature as Buddhist royalty,
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.
Guanyin is portrayed in this gilt and lacquer carving seated on a lotus with her hands in the lap in meditation mudra atop a decorative footed stand in elegantly draped robes. In this regal form, she wears a 5-lobe crown with a cross hatch design in the center while her hair rests atop her head in a bun encircled within the crown.
This provincial Guanyin made for a home altar sits in anjali mudra. Portrayed as a humble, approachable figure, she wears a 5-lobed diadem, hair in a chignon, braids draping down her shoulders, and a modest robe. She sits on a unique footed lotus throne of stacked lotuses, the Buddhist symbol of purity, flowering of the mind, and freedom from the world’s darkness.
The delicately carved antique Guanyin sits in meditation. Masterful yet simple, this provincial image brings quiet energy to its surroundings and imparts a sense of serenity and peace.
Statues like this vibrant Guanyin, especially popular during the Qing dynasty, epitomizes the best of folk art spiritual traditions of provincial artisans who replaced imperial constructs with provincial depictions that combined Buddhist, Taoist and Popular Religion traditions. Her high crown is centered with Amitabha Buddha surrounded by swirling florals, the indented urna (third eye) on her forehead would have held a cut glass. Humble, charming and approachable portrayals of Guanyin like this were placed in homes and small community temples.
This elegant antique heddle-pulley carved from a single piece of Burmese teak is topped by a hamsa, a goose-like bird and a sacred Buddhist symbol of wisdom. Auspicious symbolic animal images are believed protect the weaver, assure quality weaving, and pleases the gods and spirits. It is wonderfully weathered from time and use.
This vibrant image represents the “Heavenly Empress” Mazu wearing a red-tiered outer robe topped with a black scalloped collar bordered with gold and carved in graceful folds. Three ornamental flowers painted on her stomach might reflect the Popular Religion myth that when Mazu’s mother was pregnant, she prayed for a daughter as she already had six sons. In a dream Guanyin gave her a flower blossom to wear, and the next day Mazu was born.
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