| Large
Antique Chinese Ivory Carving
Taoist
Immortal
Ho
Hsien-Ku
Circa: late
Qing, 19th-early 20th century
H
16 in.(40cm), W 5.75 in.(15cm), D 4.75 in.(12cm)
Circumvent: 17 inches,
weight 8 lbs,
Condition: age cracks, o.a. good! One
of the Eight Taoist Immortals, Ho Hsien-ku is the only female amongst the group.
Carved from a large piece of African elephant tusk ivory, the piece stands at
sixteen inches and weight eight pounds. The daughter of a shopkeeper, the deity
is known as the patron saint of family and home, and is depicted with her characteristic
lotus, imbued with the ability to improve one’s mental and physical health. In
her left hand rests a jar, one of the Eight Auspicious Signs, and a symbol of
the stomach. Coupled with similarly carved Lu Tung-Pin, the pair have a definite
medicinal quality about them, as doctors in the old China were often practitioners
of Taoism. The
piece is beautifully and skillfully carved, particularly the carved through lotus
stem and seed pod. The lotus motif extends to the hanging sash of her robe, and
etched along a the trim around her neck lies a simple but pleasing decorative
pattern. The cloud motif base is well executed, as are her large hands and smoothly
rounded face. Despite its age, the piece is in good condition asides from a few
age cracks, and the ivory retains its original creamy color.
Estimated
value: $3000
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or call: 510-918-2333
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