Chinese Antique Temple Figure – Hand-Carved, Polychrome Wood – 19th Century or Earlier

A beautifully preserved Chinese temple figure carved from wood with natural age patina. This statue represents a seated male deity, ancestor figure, or local household god, traditionally placed on home or village altars to offer protection, guidance, and blessings to the family.

Key Features

• Authentic Chinese temple figure, hand-carved from solid wood

• Natural wood patina with visible age wear from long-term devotional use

• Likely represents a male deity, ancestor figure, or household god

• Features traditional Qing-style robes and a seated throne-like base

• Surface wear, cracking, and smoothing suggest late Qing Dynasty (1644–1912)

• Ideal for collectors of Asian antiques, décor, or spiritual art

• 9" high × 5" wide (approx.)

Note for collectors: Figures like this were often placed on household ancestor altars or within small regional temples. The carving style and surface patina suggest late Qing-period origins, though such figures commonly remained in use for generations.

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Condition

This antique statue shows expected age wear, cracking, and surface smoothing from long-term shrine use. No modern repainting. Stable and solid for its age.

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Provenance

This piece comes from the private collection of Syd Merritt, a respected collector and explorer who spent over 30 years living and working in the Orient and spoke fluent Mandarin.

Syd built one of the largest private collections of Chinese temple figures, traveling through rural villages, wood-carving shops, and historic temples to document and acquire culturally significant works. His research, photography, and close relationships with artisans and historians allowed him to preserve rare examples of traditional Chinese spiritual art — such as this temple figure.

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Shipping

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SKU #T205