Lot 101, Auction 4/12/2026: 19th C. Chinese Qing Wood Standing Monk w/ Glass Eyes

$1,300.00

In stock

East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 19th century CE. A carved wooden figure of a monk standing on a plinth with his hands clasped in front of his chest, the long and well-carved fingers barely touching in the Anjali Mudra (also known as Namaskara Mudra) – a gesture of reverence. He wears a monk’s robe featuring a red collar crossed at the neck and secured with a clasp. The robe falls in two sections: the upper part is blue-green and decorated with leaf-like designs over the lime-green lower section. The garment is framed by flowing sleeves with decorative borders. His face depicts an elderly man, with wrinkles on his forehead and around his slightly smiling lips. The rendering is enhanced by polished black glass eyes set within defined lids. A carved niche on the back of the figure indicates that it was consecrated in an eye-opening ceremony, a ritual in which sacred elements would have been placed within to imbue the statue with spiritual significance. Size: 5.8″ L x 8.5″ W x 33″ H (14.7 cm x 21.6 cm x 83.8 cm); 35″ H (88.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Condition: Some stable fissures to wood in areas, as well as nicks, chips, and areas of old, inactive insect damage, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and very nice with impressive remaining pigments and detail. Good preservation of eyes. Light patina in areas.

Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection, acquired from 1990 – 2005

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