Antique Chinese Miniature Buddhist Scholar Lucky Ivory Pendant

Sold

Dimensions: 3-0” long (figures: 1/4”-1/2”l)

The Chinese domestic market required items for both religious and secular purposes. Many of the fully detailed figurines in this pendant portray Buddhist and Daoist themes including a deity, Immortal, zodiac figures (snake, pig), crotal (chime bell), fulu (gourd), chuán (boat), Jiǎng suǒ (lock), kama (fighting weapon), gusheng (musical instrument), all important genre that comprised implements associated with a scholar.  All carved elements are attached to a mother-of-pearl disc.

Because ivory is precious, scarce, and size-limited, the sculptures were not intended in the main for temples or shrines, but for individual inspiration and sometimes worship. The worn cording attaching many pieces indicates that they were treasured items.

Condition: Excellent condition for the pieces are perfect no missing elements or color loss. Each element has beautiful original carved detailing. The cord/string attachments are worn from age and use and have not been replaced. These Museum-quality pieces meet the standards of the collector of the Chinese scholarly folk art genre.