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Images of Taoist priests were often placed on a home altar along with other spiritual images, ancestral tablets and ancestor figures to honor the departed family members, practice familial piety and ancestor-worship, and request good fortune to the family dwelling and its household. Priests were called daoshi (道士 “master of the Tao”) identified by his…
This image from Guandong wears typical Taoist priest or shaman attire – an undergarment crossed at the neck, an overcoat clasped at the waist and a double-winged high hat centered with an image of a taotie. The taotie is a mystical animal sometimes on the hat of Taoist priests or shamans as a guardian or…
Rare wood carved Ming Vairocana Buddha, the central figure of the Five Wisdom Buddhas. He sits in unction (uttarabodhi mudra) associated with Northern esoteric Buddhist Vajrayana/Tantric/ sects. This pose reflects the concept of consecration, symbolizes wisdom, perfection and connection to the divine.
This carved hardwood human figure is an honored Dyak ancestor effigy (hampatong) used to protect villages, people, graves, longhouses and paths to rivers and rice fields. Like most Dyak standing figures, this one is carved in comparatively low relief with arms held placed at the heart and chest and/or sometimes covering the covering the genitals and its facial and bodily features have deteriorated a bit, are rather shallow but are recognizable. It comes on a black Lucite base and was purchased in Bali in the mi 1970s. This piece is featured in a VA instagram post.
Guandi, the God of War and Justice and Protector of China and its citizens was a Chinese model of loyalty, virtue and morality and was depicted in Temples and home shrines throughout China. This antique figurine was probably part of a larger carving. He wears military maille, black gloves with a carved taotie which is a warning against gluttony and is covered in gold as a sign of power. The open back confirms it was consecrated by a Taoist priest. Mounted on a frosted acrylic stand.
The 5-lobed crown of this rare Nanhai Guanyin contains the 5 Dhyani Tantric Buddhas of Wisdom. Carvings like this that were consecrated for placement on home altars were often covered in gilt as both a display of personal devotion and the wealth of the donor.
This masterfully and elaborately carved image represents the legendary Guan Ti (also Guandi, Guan Yu), the Chinese God of War and Justice wearing a celestial scarf. This most popular Chinese historical military hero is all things to all men, prayed to for protection and prosperity. He is generally portrayed as here wearing a soldier’s uniform…
The most distinguishing feature of this finely carved Nanhai Guanyin is her elaborate scalloped crown centered by the Amitabha Buddha of Infinite light. In Pure Land Buddhism crowns are believed to bestow a divine and solemn quality to Guanyin images. This serene yet elegant carving is perfect to enhance any personal meditative space.
This rare magnificent image of Buddha Shakyamuni is represented in meditation position called Ch’ien Pai Yi Hua-shen (the Hundred Billion Human Manifestations) in Chinese, the position the Buddha assume while seeking enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Thumbs touching at forming a triangle symbolizing the Three Jewels of Buddhism.
Although this rare Ming image is missing its arms, it is a powerful yet charming sculpture of the infant Buddha as humble and confident with a youthful torso.
Magnificent rare Ming Buddha covered with dark lacquer, indications of gold and red pigmentation. Seated in meditation on an elaborate lotus throne, this rare masterpiece would enhance any environment with its spiritual energy and beauty.
This rare Ming provincially carved infant Buddha holds a monk’s begging bowl as he points to the heavens and stands on a lion’s head, symbolizing the Shakya clan and the lion’s roar of Buddhism. Given its small size, it was probably on a home altar.
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