Chinese Antique Gilt and Polychrome Seated Official Wooden Figure

Description

View Chinese Antique Gilt and Polychrome Seated Official Wooden Figure with current marketplace pricing, condition, product images and item details. The official holds a tablet form across the torso, seated upright in a composed and authoritative pose. The underside exhibits honest age and surface wear. Examples retaining strong original color and gilded surfaces remain especially desirable among collectors of Chinese folk and devotional wood sculpture. Chinese Antique Gilt and Polychrome Seated Official Wooden Figure A hand carved wooden figure depicting a seated male official shown in formal frontal posture upon an integral rectangular base with open chair supports. The figure wears a traditional cap and flowing robe adorned with a gilt decorated chest panel featuring incised floral motifs. Strong traces of original polychrome remain throughout, including deep cobalt blue robes, red and green accents, and areas of gilt highlighting. The official holds a tablet form across the torso, seated upright in a composed and authoritative pose. The chair features squared legs and projecting arms, framing the figure in a dignified seated position. The surface shows notable paint and gilt loss, age cracks, abrasions, and handling wear consistent with long term devotional use. The underside exhibits honest age and surface wear.  Key Features Hand-carved solid wood construction Seated civil official figure  Gilt decorated chest panel with floral motif  Strong traces of original blue, red, and green polychrome Traditional cap and formal court attire  Integral chair with open supports Rectangular integral base Visible age cracks, paint loss, and surface wear Natural ages patina throughout Attributed to the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) Approx.  5 1/4 inches in height Approx.  2 1/2 inc hes in width Weight approx.  0.24 lbs Note for Collectors  Small scale gilt and polychrome seated officials were commonly produced for household shrines and regional temple settings. Examples retaining strong original color and gilded surfaces remain especially desirable among collectors of Chinese folk and devotional wood sculpture. Condition Larger examples of small scale shrine officials with vibrant surviving polychrome and gilt detailing are increasingly difficult to source. Pieces of this scale and presence were commonly placed in domestic altars and regional temples and remain desirable among collectors of Chinese folk and devotional wood sculpture. Provenance From the private collection of  Syd Merritt , a respected collector of Chinese art known for assembling one of the largest private collections of Chinese temple and folk figures. Syd lived and worked in Asia for over 30 years, spoke fluent Mandarin, and spent decades exploring rural regions, visiting traditional carving studios, and studying Chinese devotional art. Through long-standing relationships with artisans and historians, he acquired culturally significant works such as this example . Shipping We offer Complimentary Shipping within the USA with expert packing and full tracking for safe, secure delivery. SKU #M273 "Objects are what matter.  Only they carry the evidence that throughout the centuries something really happened among human beings." - Claude Levi-Strauss Condition: Pre-owned, with visible wear, fading, and age-related imperfections. Please review photos carefully as they are part of the description.. Category: Antiques › Asian Antiques › China › Figurines & Statues.

Primary Material

Wood

Color

Brown

Chinese Dynasty

Qing (1644-1911)

Theme

Warrior, Buddha, Kwan-yin

Original/Reproduction

Antique Original

Features

Handpainted, Handcarved

Region of Origin

China

Country of Origin

China

Age

1850-1899