Lot 226

Chinese Ming Wooden Sculpture of Taoist Attendant

Previous image preload Next image preload

Chinese Ming Wooden Sculpture of Taoist Attendant

Estimate: $1,600 - $2,400

Starting Bid: $700

(0 Bids)

by Artemis Fine Arts
June 25, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 16th to 17th century CE. A large and finely carved wooden sculpture depicting a Taoist attendant, seated regally atop a high, backless pedestal. With both hands positioned at the center of the chest - symbolically at the heart - suggesting her role as an attendant to a Taoist priest or official. She wears a high-collared robe and a diadem, her long, flowing garments enveloping her hands within voluminous, layered sleeves, enhancing her dignified and ceremonial presence. The sculpture retains substantial traces of its original pigmentation, including vivid cinnabar red, attesting to its original vibrancy and sacred function. A consecrated, hollow cavity on the reverse would have once held offerings or inscribed prayers, underscoring its devotional purpose in a religious or temple setting. Size: 9" W x 21.75" H (22.9 cm x 55.2 cm)

Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection, acquired from 1990 - 2005

SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.

Item # 192787

  • Condition: Please note, the pigment contains, mercury, lead, and arsenic, and is actively flaking, please handle with care. Cracks and pressure fissures as shown. Losses to layers of pigment and surface weathering, but overall good, solid condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000