Antique Door Gods Menshen Guardians Polychrome Camphor Wood Statue 門神

Antique Polychrome Wood Statue

Black Face Door God 門神

Yuchi Gong 尉遲恭

Origin: China. Circa: early 20th century
H 16 in. (40cm), W 4.5 in. (11cm), D 3.5 in. (9cm)

Aged condition, overall very good!

This Taoist temple carving shows a pugnacious figure colorfully arrayed with a taotie mask waist belt and fish scale full armors, standing firmly in a confrontational stance with his left foot thrust forward, tightly gripped in the right hand a large bludgeon. His face is jet black, placid with a flared beard and large tempestuous scowling eyes, distinct features that are attributed to Yu Chigong 尉遲恭, the Dharmapala Door God (Menshens 門神) worshipped by the Taoists and Buddhists throughout China since the 7th century - When nightmares plagued the Tang Emperor Taizong (598 – 649), he had the portraits of his generals Qin Shubao 秦叔寶, and Yu Chigong 尉遲恭 to be affixed to gates to ward off evil spirits and negative influences. This Door God is carved from a single block of camphor wood, detailed with unique Chinese gesso mixtures, and completed with layers of gold leaves. The statue's style and condition are consistent with polychrome wood carvings of the late Qing era.

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