Chinese Qing Dynasty Wood Prayer Figure w/ Paper

East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 19th century CE. An intriguing hand-carved wooden temple figure of an official or scholar in flowing robes. He stands on an integral pedestal and leans slightly forward. His left hand grasps a separate wooden piece which may represent a scroll or other implement. His face is severe, with a furrowed brow and downturned lips. This figure would have been placed in a temple or shrine and represents a respected and powerful ancestor figure. The verso of the man has a square recessed niche cut into his back for holding a paper, which is folded and tucked inside this figure! The paper inside the consecration hole would be a prayer or dedication. Originally paper would be sealed inside with a piece of wood or wax. Rededication was a popular practice with older figures, such as this example, and this paper has handwritten characters in black ink and appears to be a later addition from the 20th century. The surface has dark encrustations and traces of white pigments which give a nice sense of age. Size: 3" L x 2" W x 7.75" H (7.6 cm x 5.1 cm x 19.7 cm)

Provenance: private southern California, USA collection, acquired before 2000.

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#159148
Condition Report: Chipping and losses to base with old inactive insect holes. The wooden piece in left hand is loose. Stable pressure fissures and cracks on figures. Active flaking of paint. Heavy patina, encrustations, and traces of pigments. Paper is fragile with tearing, holes, and creases. Characters are mostly legible.