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Chinese Temple Figure - Early Quing Dynasty, 18th Century
Sold by Vicky Thomas Antiques
sold SA875071
Sorry, but this item has been sold.

Vicky Thomas Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Feb 2022
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Chinese Temple Figure - Early Quing Dynasty, 18th Century

18th century
Sold 18 June 2026 · Vicky Thomas Antiques
This “Chinese Temple Figure - Early Quing Dynasty, 18th Century” found a buyer.

It was listed by Vicky Thomas Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Asian Art ObjectCarved Wood DeityChinese Altar Carving Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

Here is a Chinese temple figure, which would have once adorned the altar of a Chinese temple or private shrine - carved from wood with polychromed detailing and a very interesting story...

This figure was given to the renowned 19th Century missionary and translator Dr Griffith John, during his travels throughout China converting the local populace to Christianity.

The back of the statue bears the word 'idol' scratched into the surface, and an old label with a museum stamp reads :

''One of many Idols handed over to Dr. GRIFFITH JOHN, in March, 1896, by converts in the King Shan and Tien Men districts of the HANKOW MISSION''.

Although the label is hard to read with the naked eye, under a UV light the wording is clearer and corresponds with an identical label on a similar figure in the the British Museum.

On Dr Griffith John's return from China, many of his gifted figures and 'idols' were put on display in the London Missionary Society museum, which on its closure in 1910 were dispersed into other museums and private collections.

This figure sits on her throne adorned in a flowing dark robe with scarlet under skirt decorated with a simple flower-like patterning. She is 22cm high, 10cm across and 6.5cm deep. The figure is in a good condition, strong and stable and with the surface wear commensurate with a statue of this considerable age.

There is an open cavity in her back which at one time would have contained a prayer scroll.

Please see the photographs for a full idea of condition, and don't hesitate to get in touch if I can provide any further information.

Physical Dimensions
Height
22cm (8.66")
Width
10cm (3.94")
Depth
6.5cm (2.56")
Declaration

Vicky Thomas Antiques has dated this Chinese Temple Figure to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA875071
Description
Here is a Chinese temple figure, which would have once adorned the altar of a Chinese temple or private shrine - carved from wood with polychromed detailing and a very interesting story...
“
This figure was given to the renowned 19th Century missionary and translator Dr Griffith John, during his travels throughout China converting the local populace to Christianity.
Vicky Thomas Antiques
fig 1. A dark wooden carved sculpture of a seated Chinese figure with remnants of red and gold detailing on a circular plinth.
fig 1. Chinese Temple Figure - Early Quing Dynasty, 18th Century

The back of the statue bears the word 'idol' scratched into the surface, and an old label with a museum stamp reads :

''One of many Idols handed over to Dr. GRIFFITH JOHN, in March, 1896, by converts in the King Shan and Tien Men districts of the HANKOW MISSION''.

fig 2. A dark wooden carved sculpture of a seated Chinese figure with remnants of red and gold detailing on a circular plinth.
fig 2. Chinese Temple Figure - Early Quing Dynasty, 18th Century

Although the label is hard to read with the naked eye, under a UV light the wording is clearer and corresponds with an identical label on a similar figure in the the British Museum.

On Dr Griffith John's return from China, many of his gifted figures and 'idols' were put on display in the London Missionary Society museum, which on its closure in 1910 were dispersed into other museums and private collections.

fig 3. A dark wooden carved sculpture of a seated Chinese figure with remnants of red and gold detailing on a circular plinth.
fig 3. Chinese Temple Figure - Early Quing Dynasty, 18th Century

This figure sits on her throne adorned in a flowing dark robe with scarlet under skirt decorated with a simple flower-like patterning. She is 22cm high, 10cm across and 6.5cm deep. The figure is in a good condition, strong and stable and with the surface wear commensurate with a statue of this considerable age.

fig 4. A dark wooden carved sculpture of a seated Chinese figure with remnants of red and gold detailing on a circular plinth.
fig 4. Chinese Temple Figure - Early Quing Dynasty, 18th Century

There is an open cavity in her back which at one time would have contained a prayer scroll.

Please see the photographs for a full idea of condition, and don't hesitate to get in touch if I can provide any further information.

Height
22cm (8.66")
Width
10cm (3.94")
Depth
6.5cm (2.56")
Date of Manufacture

Vicky Thomas Antiques has dated this Chinese Temple Figure to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA875071
Vicky Thomas Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Feb 2022
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Vicky Thomas Antiques Profile Page

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A dark wooden carved sculpture of a seated Chinese figure with remnants of red and gold detailing on a circular plinth. SOLD18 JUN 26
1 / 16
Archive I A dark wooden carved sculpture of a seated Chinese figure with remnants of red and gold detailing on a circular plinth. SOLD18 JUN 26

Chinese Temple Figure - Early Quing Dynasty, 18th Century

Archive II A dark wooden carved sculpture of a seated Chinese figure with remnants of red and gold detailing on a circular plinth. View II
Archive III A dark wooden carved sculpture of a seated Chinese figure with remnants of red and gold detailing on a circular plinth. View III
Archive IV A dark wooden carved sculpture of a seated Chinese figure with remnants of red and gold detailing on a circular plinth. View IV
Archive V A dark wooden carved sculpture of a seated Chinese figure with remnants of red and gold detailing on a circular plinth. View V
Archive VI A dark wooden carved sculpture of a seated Chinese figure with remnants of red and gold detailing on a circular plinth. View VI
Archive VII A dark wooden carved sculpture of a seated Chinese figure with remnants of red and gold detailing on a circular plinth. View VII
Archive VIII A dark wooden carved sculpture of a seated Chinese figure with remnants of red and gold detailing on a circular plinth. View VIII
Archive IX A dark wooden carved sculpture of a seated Chinese figure with remnants of red and gold detailing on a circular plinth. View IX
Archive X A dark wooden carved sculpture of a seated Chinese figure with remnants of red and gold detailing on a circular plinth. View X
Archive XI A dark wooden carved sculpture of a seated Chinese figure with remnants of red and gold detailing on a circular plinth. View XI
Archive XII A dark wooden carved sculpture of a seated Chinese figure with remnants of red and gold detailing on a circular plinth. View XII
Archive XIII A dark wooden carved sculpture of a seated Chinese figure with remnants of red and gold detailing on a circular plinth. View XIII
Archive XIV A dark wooden carved sculpture of a seated Chinese figure with remnants of red and gold detailing on a circular plinth. View XIV
Archive XV A dark wooden carved sculpture of a seated Chinese figure with remnants of red and gold detailing on a circular plinth. View XV
Archive XVI A dark wooden carved sculpture of a seated Chinese figure with remnants of red and gold detailing on a circular plinth. View XVI
Enlarged Archival View

Vicky Thomas Antiques
Telephone 07718 101220
Location
Manchester
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/vickythomasantiques
Verified Since Feb 2022
Items For Sale 35
Items Sold 131
Vicky Thomas Antiques
Verified Since Feb 2022
View Dealer Info
Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/vickythomasantiques
Verified
Feb 2022
For Sale
35
Sold
131
A dark wooden carved sculpture of a seated Chinese figure with remnants of red and gold detailing on a circular plinth.
CHINESE TEMPLE FIGURE - EARLY QUING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY
Ref: SA875071
A dark wooden carved sculpture of a seated Chinese figure with remnants of red and gold detailing on a circular plinth.
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures
  • Period18th century
  • StyleQing Dynasty
  • MaterialWood, Lacquer, Gesso, Gold Leaf
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsSeated posture, Traditional robes, Polychrome finish, Raised plinth
  • SizeH 22 cm (9 in) x W 10 cm (4 in) x D 6.5 cm (3 in)

FAQs

Qing dynasty temple figures were carved for ancestral halls, Buddhist temples, and Daoist shrines across China, serving as devotional objects or architectural adornments.

These figures were typically hand-carved from native timbers such as camphor wood or pine, then finished with layers of gesso, lacquer, and polychrome pigments, often highlighted with gold leaf.

Authenticity is indicated by the natural ageing of the lacquer and gesso, signs of hand-tool marks beneath the surface layers, consistent oxidisation of the exposed wood, and appropriate wear patterns corresponding to centuries of ritual use.

Positioning the sculpture as a focal point on a low console table, within a recessed bookshelf, or on an unadorned mantelpiece allows its sculptural form and historical texture to stand out in a contemporary space.

Maintain stable relative humidity between forty and sixty percent, keep the object away from direct sunlight or heating vents, and dust gently with a soft, dry brush without applying liquid cleaners or polishes.
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