19th C. Chinese Qing Dynasty Gilt Wood Daoist Figure

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Exceptional Antiquities Ethnographic Fine Art...

By Artemis Gallery

Mar 24, 2022

Set Reminder 2022-03-24 10:00:00 2022-03-24 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities Ethnographic Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-ethnographic-fine-art-9057
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• Lot Description
  East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 19th century CE. A lovely, hand-carved wooden Daoist figure, likely one of the Eight Immortals, depicted seated and enveloped in a rich coat of lustrous gilding. with elbows resting on thighs and hands together at chest, as though in prayer. Crowned by a cylindrical headdress, the tranquil deity is draped in a long robe comprised of several layers of cascading fabric and billowing sleeves. A decorated collar and chest-piece adorns the sloped shoulders as an elaborate front panel with liberal remains of abstract motifs falls between their legs, resting between their skippered feet. The serene figure appears to be in deep meditation, their peaceful visage displaying downcast eyes beneath arched brows, a broad nose, a pronounced philtrum, and bowed lips held closed, all flanked by a pair of ears with elongated lobes - a symbol of the figure's devoutness. Size: 5" W x 7.9" H (12.7 cm x 20.1 cm)
  
  The Eight Immortals (sometimes called the Eight Genies) are a group of legendary figures in Chinese mythology, many said to have been born during the Tang or Song dynasties. They are both revered by Taoists and popular figures in secular Chinese culture. They are: He Xian'gu, Cao Guojiu, Li Tieguai, Lan Caihe, Lu Dongbin, Han Xiangzi, Zhang Guolao, and Zhongli Quan, of which He Xian'gu is the one on the far left of this panel (the only woman among them, although Lan Caihe is gender ambiguous). The central figure is probably Confucius, surrounded by four Immortals on either side of him. Chinese art often depicts mythological humans who have become immortals. These Eight, the most famous, are considered signs of prosperity and longevity, and they were particularly venerated in the Ming and Qing dynasties.
  
  Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Peter Rosenberg, Vallin Galleries, Wilton, Connecticut, USA, before 2000
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
  PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
  
  Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
  
  #170860

  Condition

  Head is detachable and back support leg is reattached with adhesive visible. Expected chipping to peripheries with some stable fissures throughout. A few minor nicks. Remains of adhesive on underside. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice remaining gilding.
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