Antique Chinese Giltwood Temple Figure – Seated Deity / Dignitary (Ming to Qing Dynasty, 18th/19th Century)

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Antique Chinese Giltwood Temple Figure – Seated Deity / Dignitary (Ming to Qing Dynasty, 18th/19th Century)
Description:Offered for sale is … Read more Antique Chinese Giltwood Temple Figure – Seated Deity / Dignitary (Ming to Qing Dynasty, 18th/19th Century)
Description:Offered for sale is a remarkably authentic, hand-carved Chinese temple sculpture depicting a seated dignitary, official, or Taoist deity with hands held together in a prayer mudra. This rare piece is beautifully carved from a single block of wood and showcases centuries of historical patina.The figure retains substantial traces of its original vibrant polychrome lacquer paint and shimmering gold leaf gilding, which contrasts strikingly against the dark wood grain.A standout collector's feature of this piece is the back, which remarkably still retains its original, intact consecration hatch cover (spirit panel). These custom-fit wooden doors were used during temple rituals to seal sacred items—such as prayers, grains, and herbs—inside the figure's core to imbue it with spiritual presence. Finding an antique figure with this original panel unpried and undamaged is highly uncommon.Condition Report:Good antique condition, consistent with significant age and ritual use. The sculpture features beautiful historical weathering, including surface cracking, stable age-related splitting to the wood, and natural flaking/peeling to the lacquered gesso layers on the back of the head and shoulders. These characteristics strictly validate its authenticity and have been left completely untouched to preserve its original state
Significance of the Back CompartmentThe Hatch Lid: The small rectangular piece of wood flush with the back is a custom-fit door sealing an interior cavity. It is rare to see these original lids intact, as they were often pried open by later collectors or dealers looking for hidden relics. See less