Early 19th C. Chinese Qing Gilt Lacquer Carved Wood Daoist Temple Deity Figure

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Description

Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty carved wood Daoist temple deity or divine official, richly decorated with gilt lacquer and polychrome pigments, … Read more Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty carved wood Daoist temple deity or divine official, richly decorated with gilt lacquer and polychrome pigments, seated in ceremonial robes with a tall official's cap and staff

The elaborate robe is particularly noteworthy. A large circular stylized longevity medallion occupies the center of the chest, while phoenix motifs embellish the lower robes. The official's tall cap appears decorated with opposing stylized dragons. On the reverse, a large gilt shou (壽) character reinforces the sculpture's imagery of longevity and auspicious blessing.

The expressive red-painted face retains portions of its original applied moustache and facial hair—an appealing survival. Layers of worn gilding, red, gray, green and blue pigment remain throughout, while the exposed underside reveals the substantial hand-carved wood construction.

Originally created as a devotional figure rather than simply a decorative object, the sculpture has acquired a richly aged surface from generations of wear. At approximately 9.5 inches high, it is an excellent scale for display with Chinese works of art, scholar's objects or other Asian antiques.

COLLECTOR'S NOTE:
What makes this figure particularly collectible is the amount of its original character that has survived. Beneath centuries of wear are extensive gilt and polychrome decoration, finely worked auspicious symbols, a prominent longevity medallion, paired phoenixes, a large shou character on the reverse and probable dragons on the official’s cap. Even portions of the original applied moustache and facial hair remain—an especially appealing detail rarely encountered intact on small devotional carvings. Rather than diminishing the piece, the worn gilding, exposed wood and accumulated surface preserve evidence of its age and original life as a religious object. It is a small sculpture with an unusual amount to discover.

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