Chinese Erlang Shen Figure - Ming Dynasty

This enigmatic Chinese Taoist figure of Erlang Shen is of an excellent age dating to the late Ming dynasty (1368 - 1644). He's decorated with polychrome wood with a third truth seeing eye on his forehead. As is common practice, this figure has been repainted many times over the last 400 years. The original face has been revealed with later paint remaining on the body. 

Erlang Shen, also known as Yang Jian, is a Taoist god and the deification of various semi-mythical folk heroes - he is still represented to this day in video games, television, and other pop culture. Ancestor worship was an integral part of Chinese culture for many centuries. It played an important part in each family's clan life.

Ancestor figures were cherished and honoured daily with an offering of incense. This was believed to protect the home and family members.

This carved wood figure shows traces its original paint. It has been left in its original condition and shows the signs of its age.
It is a unique piece of art and a wonderful piece to add to a collection.

This enigmatic Chinese Taoist figure of Erlang Shen is of a particularly large size. He's decorated with polychrome on wood and carries a qinglong ji spear in his right hand and a book in his left. Erlang Shen, also known as Yang Jian, is a Taoist god and the deification of various semi-mythical folk heroes. He has a third truth seeing eye on his forehead. Erlang Shen is represented to this day in video games, television and other pop culture.

This statue dates to the end of the Ming Dynasty. On this figure's back, there is a small cut out for prayers.