Lot 49

Antique Chinese Polychrome Lacquer Temple Figure of Guan Yu

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Antique Chinese Polychrome Lacquer Temple Figure of Guan Yu

Estimate: CA$50 - CA$50,000

Starting Bid: CA$50

(0 Bids)

by Kavanagh Auctions
June 27, 2026 11:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
6059 De Maisonneuve W.
Montreal, QC, CA H4A 3R8

Chinese polychrome lacquer temple figure of Guan Yu / Guan Gong / Guandi, 19th century or earlier. The armored warrior deity is shown standing on a rectangular plinth, with red-painted face, fierce brows, applied black horsehair beard, and elaborate raised armor decoration picked out in red, green, orange, gilt, and black. Guan Yu, the historical Three Kingdoms general later deified in Chinese folk religion and Daoist worship, is one of the most recognizable Chinese protective deities. His red face and long beard are central identifiers, symbolizing loyalty, martial authority, and righteousness. This example retains strong folk-temple character, with expressive modeling, applied beard, painted armor panels, dragon-form shoulder detail, and traces of original polychrome and gilt decoration. The figure was likely originally displayed as a temple, shrine, altar, or processional figure. The hand position suggests it may once have held an attribute, probably a weapon or staff-form implement associated with martial deity imagery. Strong decorative presence with desirable age, surface wear, and ritual-folk character.

Dimensions: 12 inches H x 6 W.

Condition: Some loss to lacquer in places, please see photos.

  • Condition: This sale is made without warranty whatsoever at the sole risk and peril of the buyer. ALL SALES ARE FINAL. Cette vente se fait sans aucune garantie, aux risques et périls de l'acheteur. Toute vente est définitive. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BUYER TO VERIFY THE CONDITION AND/OR AUTHENTICITY OF THE ITEM, EITHER IN PERSON DURING OUR VIEWING HOURS PRIOR TO AUCTION OR THROUGH REQUESTED CONDITION REPORTS. Although care is taken to photograph and describe the item, absence of a condition report does not imply perfect condition. All bids are final and are subject to our terms and conditions.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
CA$0 CA$49 CA$10
CA$50 CA$99 CA$10
CA$100 CA$199 CA$20
CA$200 CA$399 CA$25
CA$400 CA$999 CA$50
CA$1,000 CA$6,499 CA$100
CA$6,500 CA$9,999 CA$250
CA$10,000 CA$19,999 CA$500
CA$20,000 CA$39,999 CA$1,000
CA$40,000 + CA$2,000