Chinese deity bronzes are some of the world’s most beautiful and famous works of art. There are many different designs, and the pieces vary widely in size, shape, and material. Some are made of bronze, while others are cast in glass or metal. These pieces are a great way to bring a new religious or spiritual experience to your home.
Gandhi
This Chinese deity bronze depicts the legendary warrior Guandi, a man who was supposedly born in the third century AD and raised to immortality before being worshiped as a God of War. This bronze depiction of Guandi is very well cast with a lovely variegated patina and worn to his face. It is about four inches tall and has exquisite detail.
Gandhi is also known as Guan Yu, Holy Emperor Guan, Lord Guan, and Emperor Guan. His image is found in martial temples throughout mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. The most famous is located in Xuzhou, Shanxi.
The cult of Guandi spread to Korea during the 17th century, and the Koreans believed he saved their nation from a Japanese invasion. His bronze statues are made of bronze and are extremely popular throughout Asia. This bronze figure of Guandi is stunning and is an excellent addition to your home or office.
Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin, making it less brittle and more durable than iron. Bronze oxidizes only slightly and is, therefore, less likely to crack. Although most Buddhist bronze figures are unpainted, the best quality bronze figures are gilded. The gilded surface enhances the figure’s appearance and highlights its religious aspects.
Tara
The Chinese deity Tara is a popular figure in Tibetan Buddhism. It is the female aspect of Avalokitesvara and is associated with compassion and healing. Her images are typically depicted with eyes on the hands, feet, and palms. In Mongolia, she is also known as Tara of the Seven Eyes.
Tara is associated with green and white colors. She is sometimes portrayed with Shiva, another Hindu deity. Shiva is also represented with a trident, a representation of authority. In contrast, Parvati is shown with four arms and a lion or tiger.
Other Tara representations include Green, White, and Red. Green Tara, also known as Khadiravani, is most often associated with protection from fear, ignorance, and bandits. It also symbolizes enlightenment and compassion. Tara is often shown with a lotus in her hands in Tibet and Nepal.
Tara has many attributes that make her an essential deity for Buddhist women. Since female practitioners of Buddhism have traditionally been taught to reincarnate as male to achieve enlightenment, the inclusion of Tara in the Buddhist pantheon has allowed for greater inclusivity. Tara’s sculptures are powerful representations of female spirituality.
Yinmeng Niang Niangniang
The Chinese deity bronze Yinmeng Ning Niangniang is depicted in various styles and forms. Her primary role is to care for the souls of the dead. She is invoked during post-burial rituals to help the deceased reach the afterlife. This goddess is more prevalent among women in South China than in North China. She is often portrayed naked, with a small vase filled with holy dew on her head.
Nu Wa Nuwa
The 19th-century Chinese deity Nu Wa Nuwa first appears in Qu Yuan’s “Elegies of Chu Ci” and is sometimes translated as “Church.” In the poem “Asking Heaven,” Nuwa molded figures from yellow Earth and gave them life and the ability to bear children. She later molded the first humans from clay. Ultimately, she rescued humanity from destruction.
While not considered the creator of the physical universe, Nuwa is a protector of people and animals. In the beginning, when the Earth was still full of animals, Nuwa felt lonely. Upon recognizing his loneliness, he created animals. These animals included pigs, dogs, and sheep. These animals would later become cows, pigs, and sheep.
In addition to guiding humanity through tough times, Nuwa performed miracles to bring the world back together. She created the five-colored stone to repair Heaven, cut the feet of the great turtle to hold the four poles, and killed a dragon to aid Earth. She also gathered the ash from reeds to stop a flood.
Although it is unclear exactly how the Monkey came to be worshipped, historical references show that the religion of the Monkey originated in the Fujian region, where it was known as Monkey. The Monkey cult is believed to spread by boat to other areas. A 13th-century stone carving of a wrathful Monkey wearing a sword and fillet shows that the Fujian people had worshiped the Monkey before the 17th century.
Shou Lao
Located in the north of Xinjiang province, the 19th-century bronze Shou Lao represents the God of Longevity, a leader of the Daoist immortals. He is typically depicted leaning on a stag or deer with a staff. Other popular representations of the deity show him standing on a deer with a peach in his hand.
The bronze sculpture is in good condition, given its age. It displays a rich patina and chasing and some oxidation. It weighs about 6 pounds and measures approximately 12″ long and 10″ high. It is a beautiful example of a Chinese deity bronze sculpture!
