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

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#170860

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.