Circa: Early 19th century
H 9" (23cm.), W 4" (10cm.), D 3.5" (9cm.)
Condition : Cracks, missing attribute
This
little carving despite its age and wear, sparkles with potent energy and determination,
a testament to the eternal indefatigable drive for wealth. The image is youthful,
striding triumphantly on the backs of a lion and a chimera. No idol in China is
more universally worshipped than Ts’ai Shen Yeh, the God of Wealth. His shrine
is to be found in nearly every home, his temples are very numerous, and high and
low are always ready to burn a stick of incense before him. He is also known as
the Star-god of Affluence. Talismans such as money trees and other sources of
wealth are associated with him. Still colorful with large areas of paint remaining
in red, green and gold.