Chinese Carved Wood Altar God Possibly Ming

A hand carved, gessoed and painted altar figure on a hardwood hand carved stand.

The carved softwood figure of a god has a Ming robe and hair style, has been covered with gesso, and then painted. The stand, which was made specifically for the figure, was likely added at a later date. It is very intricately carved and made from a hardwood. A piece of wood with a dowel was added on the base of the figure to fit the stand.

Attribution: We believe the carving dates from the Ming Dynasty, but it could date from the early Qing Dynasty (17th Century)

2 ¾” (7.0 cm) wide x 1 7/8” (4.8 cm) deep x 7 ½” (19.0 cm) tall with base. Weighs 2.5 oz (70 g)

There are losses to the gesso and paint, but there is still much paint and gesso left. Part of the wood filler on the figure’s base is missing. The facial painting is very fine. The stand has no breaks.

A small altar figure that is very old but still has color and definition. The hardwood stand is amazing.