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ID #SA1176476
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£4,800
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Early Chinese Temple Figure of a Civil Official, Gilt & Polychrome Wood, South China C.1650 (Late Ming / Early Qing)
Gillers Antiques Ltd
for sale €5,616     $6,096
£4,800
Gillers Antiques Ltd

Gillers Antiques Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2023
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Early Chinese Temple Figure of a Civil Official, Gilt & Polychrome Wood, South China C.1650 (Late Ming / Early Qing)

17th century
Description

A powerful and authentic 17th-century Chinese temple sculpture depicting a seated civil official (Wen Caishen or Chenghuang type), retaining its original stepped plinth. Finely carved in the round, with gold leaf over red bole, incised black floral diaper, and characteristic red lacquer drops. The yoke-back throne rests above a cloud-mask apron and paired shishi guardians clutching brocade balls.

The stepped base, assembled from joined end-grain billets, represents an early construction method used in southern workshops to stabilise large wood masses. The work’s heavy weight (3.809 kg) and deep patina testify to its period authenticity.

Historical Background

During the Ming–Qing transition, local shrines across southern China displayed such gilt-polychrome figures as emblems of moral and civil order. Their shimmering red and gold surfaces symbolised prosperity and protection. The floral diaper technique is typical of regional temples in Fujian and Guangdong.

Measurements

Height: 43 cm / 16.9?

Width: 23 cm / 9.1?

Depth: 21 cm / 8.3?

Weight: 3.809 kg

Condition

Structurally sound with rich aged surface. Expected minor losses, shrinkage checks, small chips to edges, and historic worming to the plinth only. A stable, complete and impressive example of 17th-century devotional sculpture.

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
43cm (16.93")
Width
23cm (9.06")
Depth
21cm (8.27")
Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Gilt Wood Temple Figure to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1176476
Dealers Internal Reference
B1479
Description
A powerful and authentic 17th-century Chinese temple sculpture depicting a seated civil official (Wen Caishen or Chenghuang type), retaining its original stepped plinth.
“
Finely carved in the round, with gold leaf over red bole, incised black floral diaper, and characteristic red lacquer drops.
Gillers Antiques Ltd

The yoke-back throne rests above a cloud-mask apron and paired shishi guardians clutching brocade balls.

fig 1. A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base.
fig 1. Early Chinese Temple Figure of a Civil Official, Gilt & Polychrome Wood, South China C.1650 (Late Ming / Early Qing)

The stepped base, assembled from joined end-grain billets, represents an early construction method used in southern workshops to stabilise large wood masses. The work’s heavy weight (3.809 kg) and deep patina testify to its period authenticity.

fig 2. A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base.
fig 2. Early Chinese Temple Figure of a Civil Official, Gilt & Polychrome Wood, South China C.1650 (Late Ming / Early Qing)

Historical Background

During the Ming–Qing transition, local shrines across southern China displayed such gilt-polychrome figures as emblems of moral and civil order. Their shimmering red and gold surfaces symbolised prosperity and protection. The floral diaper technique is typical of regional temples in Fujian and Guangdong.

fig 3. A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base.
fig 3. Early Chinese Temple Figure of a Civil Official, Gilt & Polychrome Wood, South China C.1650 (Late Ming / Early Qing)

Measurements

Height: 43 cm / 16.9?

Width: 23 cm / 9.1?

Depth: 21 cm / 8.3?

Weight: 3.809 kg

Condition

Structurally sound with rich aged surface. Expected minor losses, shrinkage checks, small chips to edges, and historic worming to the plinth only. A stable, complete and impressive example of 17th-century devotional sculpture.

fig 4. A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base.
fig 4. Early Chinese Temple Figure of a Civil Official, Gilt & Polychrome Wood, South China C.1650 (Late Ming / Early Qing)

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
43cm (16.93")
Width
23cm (9.06")
Depth
21cm (8.27")
Date of Manufacture

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Gilt Wood Temple Figure to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1176476
Dealers Internal Ref
B1479
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

Relevant Links
PDF SHARE
SAVE
A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base.
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Archive I A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base.

Early Chinese Temple Figure of a Civil Official, Gilt & Polychrome Wood, South China C.1650 (Late Ming / Early Qing)

Archive II A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View II
Archive III A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View III
Archive IV A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View IV
Archive V A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View V
Archive VI A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View VI
Archive VII A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View VII
Archive VIII A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View VIII
Archive IX A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View IX
Archive X A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View X
Archive XI A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View XI
Archive XII A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View XII
Archive XIII A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View XIII
Archive XIV A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View XIV
Archive XV A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View XV
Archive XVI A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View XVI
Archive XVII A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View XVII
Archive XVIII A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View XVIII
Archive XIX A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View XIX
Archive XX A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View XX
Archive XXI A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View XXI
Archive XXII A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View XXII
Archive XXIII A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View XXIII
Archive XXIV A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View XXIV
Archive XXV A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View XXV
Archive XXVI A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View XXVI
Archive XXVII A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View XXVII
Archive XXVIII A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View XXVIII
Archive XXIX A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View XXIX
Archive XXX A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base. View XXX
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 564
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
564
A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base.
Early Chinese Temple Figure of a Civil Official, Gilt & Polychrome Wood, South China c.1650 (Late Ming / Early Qing)
Ref: SA1176476
A carved wooden Chinese temple figure of a seated civil official featuring aged gilt and red polychrome decoration on a stepped rectangular base.
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FAQs

Chinese temple figures representing civil officials were commissioned for religious shrines or ancestral halls during the Ming and Qing dynasties. These statues represented administrative authority, moral virtue, and spiritual protection within traditional Chinese folk religion and Taoist traditions.

These figures were carved from wood, coated with a ground layer of gesso or clay, and finished using polychrome mineral pigments and gold leaf. Lacquer was frequently applied as a protective binder over the painted and gilded surfaces.

Authentic figures from the 17th century display age-appropriate shrinkage cracks, natural wear to the gilding and lacquer, and original joinery on multi-part wood constructions. Hand-carving marks and layered mineral pigment loss also indicate genuine period origin.

A seated wooden temple figure serves as a sculptural accent when placed on a minimalist console table, side cabinet, or in a wall niche. Contrast the textured, aged surface against contemporary clean lines and neutral backgrounds.

Maintain the sculpture in a climate-controlled room away from direct sunlight, central heating, and relative humidity changes to prevent wood movement and flaking paint. Dust softly using a clean, dry brush, avoiding liquids or chemical cleaners.
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