Antique Chinese Carved Wood Qing Official Ancestor Figure | 25cm

A wonderfully characterful antique Chinese carved and polychromed wood ancestor figure of a seated official, thought to be early 19th century, possibly earlier.

He sits upright on a throne, dressed in a black robe with carved frog fastenings and a round collar. He wears a Qing-dynasty official's hat topped with a red finial. In one hand he holds a red-lacquered tablet; the other rests on his knee.

His face is the real joy here. It is an elderly, lined face with a furrowed brow, painted black brows and eyes, and a slightly pursed mouth, full of personality.

The throne base is lacquered red with gilt-painted floral and scroll decoration, and has a shaped, scalloped apron to the front.

Figures like this represented honoured ancestors, often shown in official dress as a mark of status. They sat on the family altar and received offerings of incense, food and prayers. On the back is a rectangular consecration cavity, where sacred items were sealed in to "enliven" the figure. The cover panel appears to still be in place. The back of the seat has a carved circular hollow.

Condition: Commensurate with age and altar use. There are extensive paint losses to the hat and robes, with bare wood showing through, and wear and rubbing throughout. The red tablet is worn. One side of the throne is worn back to bare wood. There are old splits to the circular hollow on the back of the seat and a few small old worm holes. Stable and displays beautifully. Please see photos as part of the description.

Dimensions: 25cm high

Price: £50