Showing 133–144 of 260 results
This fine antique Chinese wood 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 officials…
Ancestor worship has been practiced throughout China using carved wood figures of deities, monks, priests and ancestor figures on home altars. In recent years there has been a resurgence of ancestor worship, especially in local Chinese communities practices by Buddhists, Taoists, and Popular Religion followers. Carvings of Taoist priests called daoshi often hold Taoist symbols…
The Queen Mother of the West (Xiwangmu) is the most significant of the female Taoist deities and is viewed as having magical powers to controls life, death, creation and destruction and determines the lifespan of every living being. She lives with her husband the Jade Emperor in Kunlun Mountain where she attends her famous garden…
Seated in lalitsana, the position of royal ease, this delicate White Robed Guanyin is traditionally portrayed as a humble and modest deity, although she has a gilt lacquer surface. Her white hood is draped over a stylized image of Amitabha Buddha to whom she is a companion in Pure Land Buddhism, the most widespread Buddhist sect.
This charming White Hooded Guanyin sits in lalitsana, the position of royal ease with her right leg bent and left flat on the base. This provincial carving depicts her as a humble figure with and a plain hood leaning slightly forward, with a gentle grin, half closed eyes and a sweet smile. She holds a scroll symbolizing the 8 Buddhist sutras where she is mentioned including the Lotus Sutra Chapter 25.
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…
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.
This red lacquer and gilt covered image made for a home altar is a Pure Land Buddhist statue. Although it is a provincial image it has an elaborate headdress and decorative necklace of imperially sanctioned Guanyin images. Her 5-lobed crown is centered with radiating bars symbolizing Amitabha Buddha and his aureole that represents the flames of Buddhism.
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…
Nanhai Guanyin in her Cave in lalitsana, below draped moss arch holding a scrolls with vial of tears of her humanity and parrot, her constant companion. Small Nanhai images with all these symbols in this condition are very rare.
Exquisitely carved with expressive and spiritual bearings, these three 19th century rare small antique wood Apostles have eyes with inset glass, painted lashes, and well-articulated facial features . The crack lines on each side of their faces indicate the process by which the eyes were inset in front of the faces. All are seated, bearded and wear similar robes, although the garments are in different vibrant color combinations, the hand positions are varied and the body postures diverge slightly. Each is mounted on a two-tiered wood base, elevated at different heights. This piece is featured in a VA instagram post.
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.
End of content
End of content