Chinese Qing Dynasty Wooden Shrine Figure on Lotus Base (Auction 2026-06-05, Lot 213)

$321.25

East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 19th century CE. A devotional wooden figure depicting a crowned deity such as Guanyin or ancestor seated serenely upon a lotus pedestal base. The figure’s hands rest palms upward in the lap in a meditative pose, symbolizing inner stillness and spiritual balance. Traces of cinnabar-red pigment remain across the surface, darkened over time – likely from candle smoke and ritual use – lending the sculpture a deep, timeworn patina. The verso contains a rectangular niche intended to hold prayers, consecrated scrolls, or offerings when sanctified for temple use. Below, a projecting wooden tenon suggests the piece was once fitted into a wall shrine or altar recess. Size: 4″ L x 3.5″ W x 10.5″ H (10.2 cm x 8.9 cm x 26.7 cm)

Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection

Condition: Fair. Please note the pigments contain lead and mercury. Expected wear commensurate with age, pigment loss, soot accretion, and minor chipping to extremities. The cinnabar-red and dark lacquer tones have softened and darkened, lending a rich patina throughout. Stable age fissures and small losses are visible. Niche has a modern wood panel inserted.