Search 0
42,320  PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 112 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS
Sorted by
Per page
DEALER LOGIN
Selling Antiques Logo
0
Saved
GIFTSNEW
112 ITEMS ADDED TODAY
Home
Return
Dealer Login
500+ Shops
Dealers
Newly Added
0
Saved
Sort Order
Items Per Page
sellingantiques.co.uk
Browse Categories
Sort order
Relevant Links
Items per page
ID #SA1176472
FOR SALE
£1,950
Email Phone
Save
Monumental 19th-century Chinese Temple Guardian (Zhenwu), Gilt & Polychrome Wood
For sale by Gillers Antiques Ltd
for sale €2,282     $2,477
£1,950
Gillers Antiques Ltd

Gillers Antiques Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2023
Browse dealers 401 items
Relevant Links
Id #SA1176472
PDF SHARE
SAVE

Monumental 19th-century Chinese Temple Guardian (Zhenwu), Gilt & Polychrome Wood

19th century
Description

A late-Qing shrine guardian, likely Zhenwu/Xuanwu (snake & tortoise attributes). Carved fully in the round with swirling celestial ribbons, armour and rock base; original gilding with floral linework. This is a true temple sculpture—not a tourist carving—evidenced by mass, complex block-construction, devotional wear and hand-laid lacquer.

Historical Background

Zhenwu (also known as Xuanwu, the Dark Warrior) was revered in Daoist temples from the Ming through the Qing dynasty. His iconography—armour, flowing scarves, and the entwined serpent and tortoise—represents cosmic balance and the triumph of order over chaos. Temple figures such as this would have stood beside altars, gilded to amplify the flicker of ritual lamplight.

Measurements

Height: 40.5 cm / 15.9?

Width: 25 cm / 9.8?

Depth: 21.5 cm / 8.5?

Weight: 4.605 kg

Condition

Old stabilised joins to two ribbon loops; crown losses; age cracks and rubbing to gilding, structurally sound.

Shipping & Packaging

Fully tracked and insured delivery.

Professional packaging with careful handling.

Recycled materials used where possible.

Please study all photographs as they form part of the description.

Questions are welcome.

Physical Dimensions
Height
40.5cm (15.94")
Width
25cm (9.84")
Depth
21.5cm (8.46")
Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Chinese Gilt Wood Figure to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1176472
Dealers Internal Reference
B1478
Description
A late-Qing shrine guardian, likely Zhenwu/Xuanwu (snake & tortoise attributes).
“
Carved fully in the round with swirling celestial ribbons, armour and rock base; original gilding with floral linework.
Gillers Antiques Ltd

This is a true temple sculpture—not a tourist carving—evidenced by mass, complex block-construction, devotional wear and hand-laid lacquer.

fig 1. A 19th-century carved wooden Chinese temple guardian figure with intricate gilded and polychrome surface detail seated on a carved rocky base.
fig 1. Monumental 19th-century Chinese Temple Guardian (Zhenwu), Gilt & Polychrome Wood

Historical Background

Zhenwu (also known as Xuanwu, the Dark Warrior) was revered in Daoist temples from the Ming through the Qing dynasty. His iconography—armour, flowing scarves, and the entwined serpent and tortoise—represents cosmic balance and the triumph of order over chaos. Temple figures such as this would have stood beside altars, gilded to amplify the flicker of ritual lamplight.

fig 2. A 19th-century carved wooden Chinese temple guardian figure with intricate gilded and polychrome surface detail seated on a carved rocky base.
fig 2. Monumental 19th-century Chinese Temple Guardian (Zhenwu), Gilt & Polychrome Wood

Measurements

Height: 40.5 cm / 15.9?

Width: 25 cm / 9.8?

Depth: 21.5 cm / 8.5?

Weight: 4.605 kg

Condition

Old stabilised joins to two ribbon loops; crown losses; age cracks and rubbing to gilding, structurally sound.

fig 3. A 19th-century carved wooden Chinese temple guardian figure with intricate gilded and polychrome surface detail seated on a carved rocky base.
fig 3. Monumental 19th-century Chinese Temple Guardian (Zhenwu), Gilt & Polychrome Wood

Shipping & Packaging

Fully tracked and insured delivery.

Professional packaging with careful handling.

Recycled materials used where possible.

Please study all photographs as they form part of the description.

Questions are welcome.

Height
40.5cm (15.94")
Width
25cm (9.84")
Depth
21.5cm (8.46")
Date of Manufacture

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Chinese Gilt Wood Figure to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1176472
Dealers Internal Ref
B1478
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2023
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gillers Antiques Ltd Profile Page

PDF SHARE
SAVE
A 19th-century carved wooden Chinese temple guardian figure with intricate gilded and polychrome surface detail seated on a carved rocky base.
1 / 21
Archive I A 19th-century carved wooden Chinese temple guardian figure with intricate gilded and polychrome surface detail seated on a carved rocky base.

Monumental 19th-century Chinese Temple Guardian (Zhenwu), Gilt & Polychrome Wood

Archive II A 19th-century carved wooden Chinese temple guardian figure with intricate gilded and polychrome surface detail seated on a carved rocky base. View II
Archive III A 19th-century carved wooden Chinese temple guardian figure with intricate gilded and polychrome surface detail seated on a carved rocky base. View III
Archive IV A 19th-century carved wooden Chinese temple guardian figure with intricate gilded and polychrome surface detail seated on a carved rocky base. View IV
Archive V A 19th-century carved wooden Chinese temple guardian figure with intricate gilded and polychrome surface detail seated on a carved rocky base. View V
Archive VI A 19th-century carved wooden Chinese temple guardian figure with intricate gilded and polychrome surface detail seated on a carved rocky base. View VI
Archive VII A 19th-century carved wooden Chinese temple guardian figure with intricate gilded and polychrome surface detail seated on a carved rocky base. View VII
Archive VIII A 19th-century carved wooden Chinese temple guardian figure with intricate gilded and polychrome surface detail seated on a carved rocky base. View VIII
Archive IX A 19th-century carved wooden Chinese temple guardian figure with intricate gilded and polychrome surface detail seated on a carved rocky base. View IX
Archive X A 19th-century carved wooden Chinese temple guardian figure with intricate gilded and polychrome surface detail seated on a carved rocky base. View X
Archive XI A 19th-century carved wooden Chinese temple guardian figure with intricate gilded and polychrome surface detail seated on a carved rocky base. View XI
Archive XII A 19th-century carved wooden Chinese temple guardian figure with intricate gilded and polychrome surface detail seated on a carved rocky base. View XII
Archive XIII A 19th-century carved wooden Chinese temple guardian figure with intricate gilded and polychrome surface detail seated on a carved rocky base. View XIII
Archive XIV A 19th-century carved wooden Chinese temple guardian figure with intricate gilded and polychrome surface detail seated on a carved rocky base. View XIV
Archive XV A 19th-century carved wooden Chinese temple guardian figure with intricate gilded and polychrome surface detail seated on a carved rocky base. View XV
Archive XVI A 19th-century carved wooden Chinese temple guardian figure with intricate gilded and polychrome surface detail seated on a carved rocky base. View XVI
Archive XVII A 19th-century carved wooden Chinese temple guardian figure with intricate gilded and polychrome surface detail seated on a carved rocky base. View XVII
Archive XVIII A 19th-century carved wooden Chinese temple guardian figure with intricate gilded and polychrome surface detail seated on a carved rocky base. View XVIII
Archive XIX A 19th-century carved wooden Chinese temple guardian figure with intricate gilded and polychrome surface detail seated on a carved rocky base. View XIX
Archive XX A 19th-century carved wooden Chinese temple guardian figure with intricate gilded and polychrome surface detail seated on a carved rocky base. View XX
Archive XXI A 19th-century carved wooden Chinese temple guardian figure with intricate gilded and polychrome surface detail seated on a carved rocky base. View XXI
Enlarged Archival View
Gillers Antiques Ltd

Gillers Antiques Ltd
Telephone 07738 009924
Location
Buckland House
Buntingford
Hertfordshire
SG9 0PY
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/gillersantiques
Verified Since Mar 2023
Items For Sale 401
Items Sold 574
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Verified Since Mar 2023
View Dealer Info
Location: Buckland House, Buntingford, Hertfordshire, SG9 0PY, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/gillersantiques
Verified
Mar 2023
For Sale
401
Sold
574
A 19th-century carved wooden Chinese temple guardian figure with intricate gilded and polychrome surface detail seated on a carved rocky base.
Monumental 19th-Century Chinese Temple Guardian (Zhenwu), Gilt & Polychrome Wood
Ref: SA1176472
A 19th-century carved wooden Chinese temple guardian figure with intricate gilded and polychrome surface detail seated on a carved rocky base.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Detail View 8
Detail View 9
Detail View 10
Detail View 11
Detail View 12
Detail View 13
Detail View 14
Detail View 15
Detail View 16
Detail View 17
Detail View 18
Detail View 19
Detail View 20
Archival Detail

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

Secure Transit

Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.

The Sustainable Choice

Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures & Statues
  • Period19th century
  • StyleQing Dynasty
  • MaterialGilt Wood, Polychrome, Gesso
  • ColourGilded Gold
  • MotifsSwirling celestial ribbon, Carved armour pattern, Tortoise and serpent base, Draped robes
  • SizeH 40.5 cm (16 in) x W 25 cm (10 in) x D 21.5 cm (8 in)

This monumental 19th-century Chinese temple guardian figure of Zhenwu originates from the Qing Dynasty. Carved fully in the round from wood with gesso, the piece displays a gilded gold finish accented by polychrome red and black floral linework across the armour and draped robes. Notable details visible include swirling celestial ribbons framing the head, a crown with losses, age cracks and rubbing to the gilding, old stabilised joins to two ribbon loops, and a carved rocky base incorporating a tortoise and serpent. Measuring 40.5 cm high by 25 cm wide and 21.5 cm deep, this sculpture is designed for placement atop a sideboard in a gentleman's library or main living space to bring character to an interior.

FAQs

Zhenwu, known as the Perfected Warrior, is a prominent deity in Chinese Taoism associated with protection, martial prowess, and the northern direction. Figures representing Zhenwu traditionally feature elements such as armoured robes, a tortoise, and a serpent, serving as protective guardian icons within temple and domestic shrines.

Artisans typically carved these figures from blocks of native woods, such as camphor or pine, before applying a ground layer of gesso. The surface was then finished with detailed hand-painted pigments (polychrome) and thin sheets of gold leaf gilding to define textile patterns and armour textures.

Authentic 19th-century pieces often display natural age wear, including fine surface cracking (craquelure), soft loss of gilding down to the gesso, and oxidisation of original pigments. Hand-carved tool marks on the base and undercuts, alongside a subtle patina within crevices, also indicate genuine historical craftsmanship.

A carved wooden figure functions effectively as a focal statement piece when placed on a minimalist sideboard, console table, or within a lit display alcove. Juxtaposing the textured gilding against clean, contemporary backgrounds highlights its sculptural form without cluttering the space.

Dust the figure gently using a soft, dry camel-hair brush, avoiding damp cloths or chemical cleaners that could lift delicate leaf gilding or paint layers. Keep the sculpture in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight, radiators, and high humidity to prevent wood warping or surface flaking.
items
Add keywords to the filter
Price
£100
£250000
Era
Period
Style
Material
Origin
Stock Location
Recently Added
Online Payments
Categories