Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 6

Chinese Polychrome Altar Spirit, c. 1850

$1,780
£1,351.60
€1,545.65
CA$2,486.92
A$2,766
CHF 1,444.32
MX$33,659.23
NOK 18,446.13
SEK 17,299.22
DKK 11,535.79
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

Hand carved and vibrantly painted, this 19th century figure of a mythical spirit was once placed upon a traditional altar table to pay tribute to ancestors past. The figure is carved with detailed robes, an elaborate hat, and long ribbon flowing over its shoulder. A panel in the figure's back was once able to be removed, to reveal a small scroll bearing a prayer to the deity. Though the object once held in the altar spirit's grip has been lost to time, the figure has kept its original pigmentation, now with captivating imperfections and texture.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 19.5 in (49.53 cm)Width: 6.5 in (16.51 cm)Depth: 4.5 in (11.43 cm)
  • Style:
    Qing (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1850
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Chicago, IL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: M113B1stDibs: LU820012480982

More From This Seller

View All
Chinese Polychrome Wooden Altar Spirit, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Carved in wood, this 19th-century figure of a spirit paid tribute to ancestors past on a traditional altar table. Allowing the base to reflect the wood’s natural state, the artist ca...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Chinese Polychrome Jade Emperor Altar Figure, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This 18th-century carved wooden figure likely depicts the Jade Emperor, the supreme monarch of heaven and earth in Chinese folklore and Taoist mythology. Ruler of all deities and ben...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Chinese Carved Ancestor Figure, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
Ancestor worship was an integral part of traditional Chinese home life. This carved figure bears the likeness of one of its original owner's important for...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Primitive Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Chinese Polychrome Seated Ancestor Figure, C. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
An integral part of traditional Chinese home life, ancestor worship before a domestic altar often featured painted ancestral portraits or tabletop ancestor figure...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Southeast Asian Polychrome Figure, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This large polychromed wood figure from southeast Asia dates to the mid-19th century and depicts a male attendant or entertainer. Hand-carved by...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Southeast Asian Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Chinese Polychrome Seated Ancestor Figure, C. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
An integral part of traditional Chinese home life, ancestor worship before a domestic altar often featured painted ancestral portraits or tabletop ance...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

You May Also Like

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

Antique 17th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

19th Century Chinese Carved Wooden Altar God
Located in Atlanta, GA
This Ching Dynasty carved polychrome seated Taoist altar god was once used on the family altar to honor their ancestors. Ancestor worship plays a major role in Chinese religion. This...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood, Paint

Antique Chinese Carved Gilt Wood & Polychrome Decorated Figure
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite antique Chinese figure, carved from wood and adorned with gilding and polychrome decoration, showcases the exceptional artistry of traditional Chinese craftsmanship. L...
Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Giltwood

19th Century Chinese Carved Wooden Altar God
Located in Atlanta, GA
This Chinese carved seated altar god was once used on the family altar to honor their ancestors. Ancestor worship plays a major role in Chinese religion. This beautifully carved figure is rich with character from a century of use with wonder signs of wear. The darken patina is created through years of burning of incense with the original gold gilt painting...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood, Paint

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 in...
Category

Antique 17th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

19th Century Chinese Figure of a Guardian God
Located in Somis, CA
This 19th-century hand-carved polychromatic wood figure depicts a powerful Guardian, poised on a recumbent tiger with his right fist raised in a striking motion, his eyes bulging wit...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood