Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 14

Chinese Carved and Lacquered Figure of Zhenwu, Qing Dynasty, 19th century, China

$3,200
£2,418.80
€2,779.64
CA$4,455.98
A$4,957.10
CHF 2,598.57
MX$60,574.50
NOK 33,089.57
SEK 31,149.25
DKK 20,748.92
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

A powerful Chinese figure of the Taoist diety Zhenwu (Xuanwu), carved and lacquered wood with applied lacquer details, Qing Dynasty, 19th century or earlier, China. Zhenwu, also known as Xuanwu, is a revered Taoist deity associated with war, martial arts, and the north. Known alternately as the Perfected Warrior, the Black Warrior, or the Black Tortoise, he is one of the most popular Chinese deities. His temples and statues can be found throughout China. He is also extremely popular among overseas Chinese. Zhenwu is portrayed dressed in ceremonial armor decorated with applied dragons cavorting about. He sits in a regal and militaristic fashion upon a three legged stool. His youthful face bears an intense, yet pleasant countenance, with piercing eyes, and a slight smile upon his lips. His long, black hair slicked back. His right hand would originally have held a sword. His left hand set in a Taoist hand seal, symbolizing his mystic powers. The figure has been carved from a single block of hardwood, lacquered black and red, and decorated with applied raised lacquer designs to the clothing. His face gilt. Mounted on a modern black laminate square base.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 14.25 in (36.2 cm)Width: 7 in (17.78 cm)Depth: 7 in (17.78 cm)
  • Style:
    Qing (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Hardwood,Wood,Hand-Carved,Lacquered
  • Place of Origin:
    China
  • Period:
    19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    19th Century
  • Condition:
    Additions or alterations made to the original: Drilled and secured to a modern black laminate base. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading. In good antique condition. With old damage and minor losses to the wood, especially to the right side and tips of fingers. The applied raised lacquer with losses. The lacquer heavily worn in some areas.
  • Seller Location:
    Austin, TX
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU894735637032

More From This Seller

View All
Chinese Taoist Figure of Wenchang, Late Qing Dynasty, c. 1900, China
Located in Austin, TX
A tall and impressive figure of the Taoist deity Wenchang Wang, carved, gessoed, lacquered, gilt and polychromed wood, Late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, Fujian, China. Wenchang, the T...
Category

Antique Early 1900s Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Chinese Taoist Figure of Wenchang, Late Qing Dynasty, c. 1900, China

Chinese Taoist Figure of Wenchang, Late Qing Dynasty, c. 1900, China

$1,950
Chinese Ming Dynasty Carved, Painted and Giltwood Amitayus Buddha
Located in Austin, TX
A beautiful and serene Chinese Ming dynasty carved wood figure of the Buddha Amitayus, the Buddha of long life, and a form of Amitabha Buddha. He is seated in dhyanassana, dressed in...
Category

Antique 17th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Chinese Ming Dynasty Carved, Painted and Giltwood Amitayus Buddha

Chinese Ming Dynasty Carved, Painted and Giltwood Amitayus Buddha

$7,800
Ming Dynasty Polychrome Lacquer and Gilt Iron Figure of Ananda
Located in Austin, TX
Ananda is portrayed in a typical fashion, as a youthful monk with a shaved head and dressed in simple robes. He stands upon a double lotus pedestal with hands clasped in front of him...
Category

Antique 16th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Iron

Ming Dynasty Polychrome Lacquer and Gilt Iron Figure of Ananda

Ming Dynasty Polychrome Lacquer and Gilt Iron Figure of Ananda

$12,500
Chinese Ming Dynasty Lacquered and Gilt Bronze Bodhisattva, 17th Century
Located in Austin, TX
Chinese late Ming dynasty bronze figure of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, also known as Guanyin (Quan Yin, Kwan Yin, Kuan Yin), 17th century, China  The figure well cast in two ...
Category

Antique Mid-17th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Chinese Ming Dynasty Lacquered and Gilt Bronze Bodhisattva, 17th Century

Chinese Ming Dynasty Lacquered and Gilt Bronze Bodhisattva, 17th Century

$6,500
Chinese Qing Dynasty Lacquered Wood Guanyin, 18th Century, Southern China
Located in Austin, TX
A Chinese early Qing Dynasty carved and lacquered wood figure of Guanyin, Southern China, 17th/18th century. Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and Mercy, is portrayed seated in dhyanasana, one hand raised in viktara mudra, the gesture of teaching and discourse. The great bodhisattva is dressed in heavy, loose robes tied at the chest, with a mantle draped over his shoulders. He looks serenely outwards from heavily lidded eyes. Guanyin's face carved beautifully with somewhat feminine features. A large five pointed crown sits upon his head. The larger leaves of the crown carved with indistinct images of the Buddha. The statue was originally fully lacquered in the deep red gilt lacquer typical of Southern Chinese Buddhist sculpture...
Category

Antique Early 18th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Chinese Qing Dynasty Lacquered Wood Guanyin, 18th Century, Southern China

Chinese Qing Dynasty Lacquered Wood Guanyin, 18th Century, Southern China

$4,800
Chinese Carved Wood Bodhisattva Guanyin, Late Ming Dynasty, 17th Century
Located in Austin, TX
An attractive carved wood figure of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, known as Guanyin in China, late Ming Dynasty, early 17th century, China. Guanyi...
Category

Antique Early 17th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Gesso, Wood

Chinese Carved Wood Bodhisattva Guanyin, Late Ming Dynasty, 17th Century

Chinese Carved Wood Bodhisattva Guanyin, Late Ming Dynasty, 17th Century

$4,200

You May Also Like

A Small Chinese Carved Timber Gilt and Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Small Chinese Carved Timber Gilt and Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty Provenance: Private Old Australian Collection Acquired in Beijing Market in 1980s. Description: The cavity ...
Category

Antique 17th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

A Small Chinese Carved Timber Gilt and Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty

A Small Chinese Carved Timber Gilt and Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty

$675 Sale Price
50% Off
Free Shipping
18th Century Chinese Sculpture of a Dignitary in Carved and Lacquered Hardwood
Located in Brescia, IT
Big hardwood figure of a dignitary lacquered in original patina. Signs of age-related wear on the base, but all of excellent quality, China, 18th century.
Category

Antique 18th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Hardwood

18th Century Chinese Sculpture of a Dignitary in Carved and Lacquered Hardwood

18th Century Chinese Sculpture of a Dignitary in Carved and Lacquered Hardwood

$10,180
A Small Chinese Carved Timber Gilt and Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Small Chinese Carved Timber Gilt and Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty Provenance: Private Old Australian Collection Acquired in Beijing Market in 1980s. Description: A devotional...
Category

Antique 17th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

A Small Chinese Carved Timber Gilt and Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty

A Small Chinese Carved Timber Gilt and Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty

$605 Sale Price
50% Off
Free Shipping
A Small Chinese Carved Timber Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Small Chinese Carved Timber Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty Provenance: Private Old Australian Collection Acquired in Beijing Market in 1980s. Description: The cavity in the back...
Category

Antique 17th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

A Small Chinese Carved Timber Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty

A Small Chinese Carved Timber Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty

$575 Sale Price
50% Off
Free Shipping
19th Century Chinese Carved Polychrome Wooden Ancestral Figure Sculpture
Located in Milford, NH
A fine hand carved polychrome wooden seated Chinese ancestral figure sculpture, dating to the 19th century, with deep back cutouts, some paint losses, shrinkage cracks, edge losses, ...
Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Chinese Carved Polychrome Wooden Ancestral Figure Sculpture

19th Century Chinese Carved Polychrome Wooden Ancestral Figure Sculpture

$1,600
18th Century Chinese Wooden Figure 'Wanli'
Located in Esbeek, NL
18th century Chinese wooden figure, depicted Wanli. See old sticker on the back of the figure, see picture.  
Category

Antique 18th Century Chinese Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

18th Century Chinese Wooden Figure 'Wanli'

18th Century Chinese Wooden Figure 'Wanli'

$2,395

More Ways To Browse

19th Century Sword
Chinese Qing Figure
Bear Carving
Bear Wood Carving
Temple Lacquer
Chinese Deity
Chinese Dragons Sculptures
Red Lacquer Carving
Chinese Carved Wood Figure
Wood Chinese Temple
Chinese Wood Stool
Chinese Warrior
Chinese Taoist
Asian Carved Wood Statue
Antique Chinese Stool
Laminated Wood Carved
Asian Dragon Sculpture
Antique Chinese Clothing
View All Popular Sculptures and Carvings Searches