Origin: China. Circa: Qing, 19th century
H 7.5 in.(19cm), W 2.5 in.(6cm), D 1.5 in.(4cm)
Condition : minor gilt loss, o.a. good
This
small temple statue is pleasingly carved and colored, depicting a slender figure
attired in fine robes of red, green, blue and gold and carrying an offering, the
head turned to the right with an inquiring expression, representing a local deity
making offerings on behalf of the people. In traditional China, every village
had a shrine to the local Earth God, who was in charge the affairs of agricultural
or weather-related matters. This god was not all-powerful, but was a modest heavenly
official to whom individual villagers could turn in times of need, famine or drought,
etc. He typically wears a black hat and a red robe, which signify his position
as a bureaucrat.