Chinese Immortal Statue
$5,500.00
Boxwood Figure of Li Tieguai, 18th-19th Century Qing Dynasty
Product Information
Dimensions
Condition
Product Information
Shop this Chinese Immortal Statue for sale. Dating to the 18th-19th century, this antique Chinese boxwood carving depicts the immortal Li Tieguai. Buddha statues or Daoist sculptures have been incorporated into decorative elements for hundreds of years, not only for the worship and religious use of these objects but also for their powerful presence. In the contemporary theme of zen decor, such spiritual iconography or objects of worship, or good omen are used to promote positive energy to an interior or space, and in the content of the region or period those objects represent, also represent rare collectible objects in the form of this 18th-19th century Qing dynasty boxwood carving of the Daoist immortal Li Tieguai, a rare and precious Chinese antique.
The theme subject of this Chinese statue is Li Tieguai,”. Since the 14th century, the immortal Li Tieguai has been worshipped as one of Eight Immortals. Li’s body is no longer his; after returning from an out-of-body journey, he found his body had been set afire, and as a result, was forced to use the body of a beggar and cripple who had passed from malnourishment. As such, his features display a bare chest, shone with bones, and a large unkempt beard. Li Tieguai represents a divine saint and retains the power to leave his body and explore the land and heavens.
The use of boxwood also represents a rare and valuable material as boxwood grows extremely slowly, with some species only reaching 5 inches in diameter after 100-150 years, making the wood in any particular size very rare. Based on the visible age of this item, we estimate this object to date to the 18-19th century. While an 18th-century designation is unlikely, it is possible. However, the 19th century is certainly applicable. We estimate that these repairs were conducted in the late 19th or early 20th century as this item displays elements of repair. The base was possibly a later replacement, and the repaired foot and ornaments, not in boxwood, further conveying the rarity of genuine boxwood sculpture and statue.
The theme subject of this Chinese statue is Li Tieguai,”. Since the 14th century, the immortal Li Tieguai has been worshipped as one of Eight Immortals. Li’s body is no longer his; after returning from an out-of-body journey, he found his body had been set afire, and as a result, was forced to use the body of a beggar and cripple who had passed from malnourishment. As such, his features display a bare chest, shone with bones, and a large unkempt beard. Li Tieguai represents a divine saint and retains the power to leave his body and explore the land and heavens.
The use of boxwood also represents a rare and valuable material as boxwood grows extremely slowly, with some species only reaching 5 inches in diameter after 100-150 years, making the wood in any particular size very rare. Based on the visible age of this item, we estimate this object to date to the 18-19th century. While an 18th-century designation is unlikely, it is possible. However, the 19th century is certainly applicable. We estimate that these repairs were conducted in the late 19th or early 20th century as this item displays elements of repair. The base was possibly a later replacement, and the repaired foot and ornaments, not in boxwood, further conveying the rarity of genuine boxwood sculpture and statue.
Dimensions
This object measures 8.5 inches in height on the stand and measures 7 inches in height off the stand.
Condition
This object displays elements of wear, surface abrasions, and repairs to the foot, and ornamental decorations.
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