Chinese Temple Figure - Early Quing Dynasty, 18th Century

Name: Chinese Temple Figure - Early Quing Dynasty, 18th Century
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA875071
Availability: SoldOut

18th century

Sold by Vicky Thomas Antiques

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 piece 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. CHINESE TEMPLE FIGURE - EARLY QUING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY — 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. CHINESE TEMPLE FIGURE - EARLY QUING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY — 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. CHINESE TEMPLE FIGURE - EARLY QUING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY — 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.