Lot 95
East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 1368 to 1644 CE. A resplendent stone relief of magnificent scale depicting an elaborate scene of an ancestral shrine with 2 figures - an attendant and a soldier, perhaps donors who commissioned the stele - gathered at a spiritual or ancestral tablet, all enveloped in vibrant pigments. Inscriptions in Chinese are featured at the front of the pagoda translating to "Hall of Good Fortune," while a lengthier inscription adorns the tablet. The elaborate temple features several layers of structures, all with flared roofs and steeped in rich iconography, such as dragons, lotus flowers, and lanterns. The image is skillfully rendered, demonstrating an acute understanding of perspective, depth, and detail. Size: 31.8" W x 47.3" H (80.8 cm x 120.1 cm); 38" W x 61" H (96.5 cm x 154.9 cm) on included custom stand.
Ancestor veneration is a foundational aspect of Chinese religion which revolves around the ritual celebration of the deified ancestors and tutelary deities of people with the same surname organized into lineage societies in ancestral shrines. Ancestors, their ghosts, or spirits, and gods are considered part of "this world". They are neither supernatural (in the sense of being outside nature) nor transcendent in the sense of being beyond nature. The shrines are dedicated to these deified ancestors and are filled with ancestral tablets that embody the spirits. The ancestral tablets are typically arranged by seniority of the ancestors.[1] Altars and other ritual objects such as incense burners are also common fixtures. Ancestors and gods can also be represented by statues.
Please note that this item is heavy/oversized. Please inquire about shipping prior to bidding.
Provenance: private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection, acquired in the 1980's; ex-old English collection
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#177480
- Condition: Expected surface wear with some small chips, nicks, and abrasions, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with impressive remaining pigments.
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