China, Qing Dynasty, ca. late 19th to early 20th century. A sculptural depiction of a seated god of fortune hand-carved from a single piece of hardwood and hand-painted in hues of red, white, black, and gold leaf. The figure, dressed in flowing drapery and a cap-like headdress, sits with hands places upon knees, his left hand facing downward, his right hand opened up to the sky; the deity looks directly ahead with a noble countenance, incredibly naturalistic features, wrinkles on his forehead, a long handlebar mustache, and flowing locks falling over his shoulders. With a plump belly, white hair, and a ruddy complexion, he appears hearty and healthy in his old age. Size: 12-1/4"H x 7-3/4" at widest point.

According to scholars, worshipping the God of Fortune originated as prayer to the stars, more specifically the Star of Wealth. The ancient Chinese believed that all deities resided in the sky, with each star representing a deity. Figures such as this example were created for the well-to-do and most exciting, small gold vaults were oftentimes placed inside their backs and resealed so that painting could hide the gold within. The idea was that in the future, perhaps generations later, during troubled times of war, famine, or disease epidemic, uprooted folks would flee with their god of fortune sculptures. The ancestors would have provided for their devastated offspring with the hidden treasure!

Provenance: Ex-private Denver, CO collection acquired at New York auction house; ex-private Philadelphia collection.

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#109503

Losses to feet, cracks to surface with paint loss as shown.