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This large rare vibrant carving is the Taoist Deity of fertility Niangniang (“The Maiden Who Brings Children”) is often confused with Songzi Guanyin. Represented as an empress like figure, she glances serenely at 3 diminutive children, 2 males and a female extending their arms for protection. Stunning and peaceful, it is covered with gold highlights with intricate details.
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…
Probably placed on a home altar with other carving, this Taoist official holds a long, curved hu, wearing a high hat, collared robe with painted cobalt blue clouds and official’s belt. Consecrated with original script inside.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties small images of Taoist officials and priests were often shown holding a cup of the elixir of life to place on home altars along with ancestor figures, house gods and other religious images to bring blessings (fu) to the household. By commissioning figures like this artful carving, families honored their ancestors and met their filial piety duties. Mounted on an acrylic stand.
Taoist official/priest on backless chair, arms at chest and hands covered by ritual cloth symbolically holding a hu tablet. Darkened by incense and candle smoke from ritualistic offerings it was re-lacquered probably in early 20th-century.
When ancestral images are taken out of context they are very difficult to identify so we describe them in generic terms as a Chinese Officials or Taoist Officials. This antique-Chinese-wood-carving may represent the noted historical figure the principal regent Dorgon of the first Qing Emperor Shunzhi who ruled from 1643-1650 as a”quasi” emperor based on…
This fine antique carving was likely placed in a clan shrine or home altar with other religious images, ancestor figures or folk heroes reflecting the Chinese syncretic tradition that adhered to multiple spiritual and belief systems. Although it is difficult to identify specific figures, this image is likely a Taoist priest in official’s attire astride…
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 with minor losses with a fine patina. Mounted on a black wood base, this heddle pulley pairs well with item number 11298A.
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.
Zhenwu (Perfected Warrior) one of most important and powerful Taoist deities, is revered for magical powers to suppress demonic forces. Forceful wood provincial image for personal devotion reflecting his iconography: on throne, bare feet resting on snake and tortoise, celestial scarf and maille armor.
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