Kuan
Yu (Japanese: Kanu) the God of War, is a patron saint of many
trade. He is considered as the God of Wealth, and a tutelary
deity of business in Chinese culture. Furthermore, as this
ivory statue depicts here, Kuan Yu is seen holding the Book
of Spring and Autumn (History Annual of Zhou dynasty, 770-475
B.C.); for this reason, his God of War divinity is also revered
as a God of Literature.
Kuan Yu was a general under the posterior of Han dynasty
(Three Kingdoms, 220-265 A.D.). He was executed at the age
of 58; but later ennobled to the status of Duke, raised to
the rank of prince in 1128, and finally awarded the title
of emperor, saint or God in 1598. He is one of the most popular
of Chinese divinities, worshipped in every house, and numerous
temples were dedicated to him. The statue of Kuan Yu is placed
in the first hall of a Buddhist monastery, and generally worshipped
on the 15th day of the second moon, whereas military and civil
officials worship Kuan Yu on the designated day of 13th on
the fifth moon.
Carved in round, this ivory statue of Kuan Yu on a
dragon seat is a traditional image of the mythical hero. The
statue is deeply incised with elaborate patterns that represents
armor, lions and dragons embedded in waves and clouds. The
ivory is heavy with an aged light cream patina, a few small
hairlines to the back, and is in excellent condition. (Please
note that the thick vertical lines are seemingly part of the
original old tusk, it was intentionally carved out by the
artist.) The incised date on the base of the statue indicates
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). However, the style and condition
of the statue attributes the carving to a later date.
