| Antique
Chinese Ivory Carving
Medicine
Man
Taoist
Healer with Mala
Inscripted: Great Qing. Circa:
19th-early 20th C.
h.12 in.(30.5cm.), w.3.5
in.(9cm.), d.3 in.(7.5cm.)
weight: 27 oz
Condition: Excellent!
A sensitively
conceived Taoist “medicine man” with prayer beads, magical pomegranates and a
gourd filled with magical elixir. This venerable old person has a high head, long
eyebrows and whiskers, and seems to pause in his stride, looking toward something
before him. Masterful carving defines the supple gathers and folds of his robe,
from the flowing sleeves to the thin edges of the hem. The hair and tassels are
engraved and lightly stained, the face is a study in compassionate wisdom; the
entire work is superbly realized emanating mystic potency. The ivory has purity
and fineness of grain on a warm unctuous surface in cream white. 
Private
Collection |  |
