Kwan
Yu (Japanese: Kanu) the God of War, is a patron saint of many trade, and a tutelary
deity of business in Chinese culture. He is revered as the God of Wealth, God
of Literature; more importantly, as this ivory statue depicts here, his God of
War divinity is holding the green dragon halberd, which is known to be 300 pounds
in weight. Kwan Yu is dressed in
full military armor. The
ivory is heavy with an aged cream patina, there are no crack or hairline to the
carving, and is in excellent condition.
Kwan 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 Kwan 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 Kwan Yu on the designated day of 13th on the fifth moon.
Private
Collection
