Showing 145–156 of 280 results
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 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…
This striking, beautiful and sensitive carving is White Hooded (also White Clad or White Robed) one of the most frequent portrayed of her 33 manifestations. Introduced in 10th century Song Dynasty this manifestation portrays her as a humble and modest deity reflecting the features of an ordinary Chinese female, her face cast down in serenity…
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…
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.
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.
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