Chinese Antique Carved Wooden Seated Official Figure

Description

View Chinese Antique Carved Wooden Seated Official Figure with current marketplace pricing, condition, product images and item details. The hands are positioned forward in a formal gesture of authority. Richly decorated robe with incised dragon and scroll motifs. Examples retaining original carving detail and traces of gilding remain sought after among collectors of Chinese religious and folk sculpture. Chinese Antique Carved Wooden Seated Official Figure A hand carved wooden figure depicting a seated Chinese official shown in formal posture upon a carved chair and pedestal base. The figure wears an elaborate court headdress with suspended bead strands and a richly decorated robe featuring incised dragon and scrolling motifs with remnants of original gilt and polychrome decoration. The hands are positioned forward in a formal gesture of authority. The sculpture displays visible age related wear including surface abrasions, paint and gilt loss, and natural wood shrinkage with prominent vertical age cracks consistent with long term shrine or temple display.  Key Features Hand-carved solid wood construction Seated Chinese official figure in formal posture Elaborate court headdress with suspended bead strands Richly decorated robe with incised dragon and scroll motifs Remnants of original gilt and polychrome decoration Carved chair with curved arm supports Mounted upon an integral pedestal base Visible age cracks and wood shrinkage  Decorative carved throne and base Surface wear with scattered paint and gilt loss Natural aged patina throughout the surface Attributed to the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) Approx.  11 7/8 inches in height Approx.  6 1/8 inc hes in width Weight approx.  2.93 lbs Note for Collectors Carved wooden figures of seated officials were commonly produced for Chinese temple and household shrine settings, representing revered historical administrators or protective deities associated with governance and justice. Examples retaining original carving detail and traces of gilding remain sought after among collectors of Chinese religious and folk sculpture.  Condition Exhibits  expected age-related wear , including pigment loss, surface cracking, and patina from traditional devotional use. Stable overall. No modern repainting. 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 #M296 "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