Sandbanks Antiques has dated these Chinese Carved Hardwood Figures to the 19th Century.
Qing Dynasty, Early 19th Century (Jiaqing Period, 1796–1820)
Presented as a magnificent, museum-quality statement pair for the elite scholar’s studio or refined interior, this substantial matched duo of Chinese hardwood figures depicts revered Daoist Immortals (Baxian tradition) during the height of the Jiaqing period (1796–1820).
5 cm in height and possessing extraordinary physical heft (2.220 kg and 2.136 kg respectively).
The figures are imbued with a commanding, lifelike presence: one immortal gently cradles the peach of longevity, while his counterpart bears a sacred staff and traditional attributes. Their heavily folded, flowing robes cascade downward with deep, crisp undercutting and fluid momentum, entirely free of modern assembled limbs or pieced elements. In true classical scholar's tradition, the reverse of each garment has been intentionally left in its natural, untouched organic log state, celebrating the undulating wood grain and the conservation of precious raw material.
The bases are composed entirely of sharp, geometric, faceted triangular and diamond-shaped rockwork formations mirroring legendary mountain retreats. The dense timber exhibits a warm, rich reddish-brown patina with magnificent chatoyancy, further authenticated by period-original adze and chisel toolmarks visible across the unpolished flat-cut undersides.
Technical Specifications:
Period: Early 19th Century (Jiaqing Reign, 1796–1820)
Dimensions: Height: Approx. 42.5 cm (each)
Weight: 2.220 kg and 2.136 kg (demonstrating genuine, old-growth single-block timber density)
Condition: Good antique condition overall; displaying natural shrinkage and age characteristics commensurate with an early 19th-century hardwood sculpture.
Noted minor chips consistent with age related handling, and use.
Provenance:
The G.S. May Esquire Private Collection, London
Private Estate Collection, Dorset, England circa 1900
Sandbanks Antiques has dated these Chinese Carved Hardwood Figures to the 19th Century.
Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné
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A Monumental and Exceptionally Rare Matched Pair of Chinese Carved Hardwood Figures of Daoist Immortals Qing Dynasty, Early 19th Century (Jiaqing Period, 1796–1820)
