Items Similar to Antique Wooden Statue of Wenchang Wang, God of Literature and Culture

Rare Japanese antique wooden god statue /12th century/small wabi-sabi figurines

Antique Wooden Carved Statue of a Young Fisherman

Antique Chinese Emperor and Empress Wooden Statues

Cast stone Statue of Greek god Asclepius

Antique Hand-carved Wooden Wall Relief of the Lamb of God

19th C. Large Fruit Wooden Statues of young Bacchus the God of wine, 1.40 cm

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 21

Antique Wooden Statue of Wenchang Wang, God of Literature and Culture

About the Item

This fascinating antique wooden statue depicts the Taoist God of Literature and Culture, Wenchang Wang. The statue was likely hand-carved in China in the 1700’s, but it is quite possible that it predates the 18th century. An iron stand has been added to the back more recently, although a portion of the back is excavated, indicating that the statue was once part of a larger installation. Wenchang has been posed in a seated position with his hands clasped in front of his body, which is a common representation of the god in artwork. The hands have a shallow incised section, indicating that Wenchang once held an object. Based on other statues and drawings of Wenchang from this time, it was most likely a hu scepter that once accompanied the statue. Wenchang is clad in an ankle-length robe and a ridged headdress. Although the statue’s color is predominantly natural wood, very old traces of polychrome can be seen throughout the piece indicating that it was once vividly painted. In China, those who study hard, and test well are often rewarded with high-ranking civil service jobs. The common belief is that Wenchang guides these scholars, leading many to seek his assistance. A statue of this size indicates it could have once been commissioned for a Chinese temple. Today, our wooden statue of Wenchang Wang would make a perfect piece of art in a study or library. It would work well with any contemporary interior, or with an interior displaying other very old Chinese artifacts. *The statue was photographed in our store while on top of a French limestone pedestal block. The stone can be shipped along with the statue if so desired.*

Dimensions:

Height: 43 in (109.22 cm)Width: 20.375 in (51.76 cm)Depth: 19 in (48.26 cm)

Materials and Techniques:

Iron,Wood,Hand-Carved

Place of Origin:

China

Period:

18th Century

Date of Manufacture:

1700s

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading. Wear commensurate to age, with losses to wood and paint. Age separations and missing element, possibly a hu scepter that would have been held in his hands. The iron stand has been added more recently. Please see photos for details.

Seller Location:

Dallas, TX

Reference Number:

Seller: 422-71stDibs: LU906328488572

More From This Seller

View All

Antique Carved and Painted Statue of St. Florian, Austria, circa 1700

Located in Dallas, TX

St. Florian (250 A.D. – 304 A.D.), was a the patron saint of firefighters, brewers, chimney sweeps, and the town of Linz, Austria. He served in the Roman army and part of his duties included organizing fire fighting brigades. He was secretly a Christian and became famous for miraculously saving a town from being destroyed by fire; after he prayed and threw a single bucket of water on the blaze, it was extinguished. This beautifully carved and painted statue dates to approximately the end of the 1600s or early 1700s. It clearly depicts St. Florian with a bucket in hand and a flag in the other. At his feet, is a miniature building...

Category

Antique Early 18th Century Austrian Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Gesso, Giltwood, Wood

Antique Carved and Painted Statue of St. Florian, Austria, circa 1700

$5,980

18th Century Carved Wooden Statue from France

Located in Dallas, TX

This antique French hand carved wooden statue is of a bearded man wearing a robe tied at the waist with a long scarf draped over his shoulder...

Category

Antique 18th Century French Sculptures

Materials

Wood

18th Century Carved Wooden Statue from France

$3,900

Pair of Antique Terracotta Statues, Paris, circa 1880

By Gossin Frères Manufactory

Located in Dallas, TX

This charming pair of French terracotta statues depicts a male and female musician and was made during the latter half of the 1800s. Both statues have been stamped “GOSSIN PARIS” on the back sides. The Gossin factory in Paris was led by two brothers, Etienne (died in 1900) and Louis (1846-1928). The brothers regularly showed their wares at the official art exhibition of the Académie des Beaux-Arts, the Salon de Paris, where they would often bring home medals for outstanding quality works. They were very well known for their ornamental terra cotta fabrications which were exhibited all-over the country, where they also took home various medals. Both of these statues represent musicians siting upon rocky bases decorated with flowers, and our male musician has been depicted holding a “musette de cour”, which is a relative of the bagpipe. The female musician can be seen with a “vielle à roue” in her lap. A vielle à roue is a string instrument that produces sound when a crank is turned. The crank rotates a wheel that rubs against the strings. The sound can be compared to that of a violin. Place this elegant pair of 19th century terracotta musician statues...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Pair of Antique Terracotta Statues, Paris, circa 1880

$4,800 / set

Early 1900s French Bronze Statue of Boy and Duck

Located in Dallas, TX

Cast during the early 1900s in France, this captivating bronze statue boasts a rich patina with a mesmerizing blend of turquoise, gold, and gray patina, giving it a unique and timele...

Category

Early 20th Century French Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Early 1900s French Bronze Statue of Boy and Duck

$960

Antique Italian Wooden Bust of Apollo Belvedere, 19th Century

Located in Dallas, TX

After the famous Apollo Belvedere marble statue (dating to Rome, mid-2nd century), this wooden bust of the Roman/Greek god was hand-carved in Italy during the 1800s. The marble is it...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Busts

Materials

Wood

Antique Italian Wooden Bust of Apollo Belvedere, 19th Century

$6,680

Solid Limewood Statue of St. Christopher, Germany, circa 1930

Located in Dallas, TX

Hand-carved from limewood in Germany, circa 1930, this four-and-a-half-foot tall statue depicts St Christopher carrying a young Jesus across a river. The legend states that Christopher (who was considered to have size and strength), was instructed to serve Jesus by assisting travelers with crossing a perilous river. One day a young child asked for help, and after safely reaching the far shore, Christopher complained about the child being heavier than the whole world. It was at this point that the child revealed he was Jesus before...

Category

Vintage 1930s German Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Solid Limewood Statue of St. Christopher, Germany, circa 1930

$7,400

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Japanese Other Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Cypress

Rare Japanese antique wooden god statue /12th century/small wabi-sabi figurines

$1,500

Antique Chinese Emperor and Empress Wooden Statues

Located in Pomona, CA

This pair of Antique Chinese Emperor and Empress Statues are 100% hand made and hand carved with paint and gilt on them. Some of the paint and gilt has been worn off but overall they are in good condition. Look at the pictures, you can see that they are in many years history with some age wear. Now you can have them on your collection shelf. Size: 6in H x 2 3/4in W x 2in D each Origin: China Circa: Late Qing era Material: Wood Condition: Hand made, hand painted, normal age wear. Disclaimer: Due to differences in monitor/screen settings, product colors may differ slightly between product photos...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Antique Chinese Emperor and Empress Wooden Statues

$416 Sale Price / set

30% Off

Antique Wooden Carved Statue of a Young Fisherman

Located in Berghuelen, DE

Antique Wooden Carved Statue of a Young Fisherman A large antique wooden carved statue of a fisher presenting his haul. Made in Italy, circa 1880. The hat brim is restored. The tra...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Victorian Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Antique Wooden Carved Statue of a Young Fisherman

$3,380

Cast stone Statue of Greek god Asclepius

Located in MILL, NL

Large weathered composite stone head of Greek god of medicine “Asclepius” Signed by Peter hone. this was the only one he made in outdoor composition instead of his usual plaster. Ca...

Category

Late 20th Century European Busts

Materials

Cast Stone

Cast stone Statue of Greek god Asclepius

$2,939

Antique Hand-carved Wooden Wall Relief of the Lamb of God

Located in Antwerp, BE

Hand-carved wooden wall relief of a sheep. Carved of oak, the Lamb shown standing on the Book of Revelation which is born aloft on a bank of clouds and surrounded by a burst of rays...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Italian Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Antique Hand-carved Wooden Wall Relief of the Lamb of God

$3,174

French Cast Stone Statue of Greek God Apollo

Located in Bradenton, FL

French cast stone statue of Apollo, the Greek god of music, poetry, prophecy and the sun. This statue features an intricate youthful form with muscular build, symbolizing beauty and ...

Category