Lot 227

Chinese Qing Altar Deity - Queen Mother of the West

Previous image preload Next image preload
Back to catalog
Lot 227
image_0 image_1 image_2 image_3 image_4 image_5 image_6 image_7
Chinese Qing Altar Deity - Queen Mother of the West
Chinese Qing Altar Deity - Queen Mother of the West
image_0 image_1 image_2 image_3 image_4 image_5 image_6 image_7

Chinese Qing Altar Deity - Queen Mother of the West

Estimate: $700 - $1,050

Starting Bid: $300

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

East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 1644 to 1912 CE. A carved wooden altar figure depicting the Heavenly Queen Mother, Xiwangmu, venerated in Taoist tradition and often enshrined in household or temple altars. She is shown seated on a low-backed throne, wearing flowing robes and a finely carved headdress adorned with a bird - likely a phoenix, the key symbol of divine feminine power in East Asian cosmology. The presence of this phoenix motif affirms the figure's identity as the Queen Mother of the West, the matron of immortals and a central figure in Taoist belief. Her right hand is raised in a Taoist mudra of blessing or protection, while her left holds a small cup - possibly symbolizing libation or the mythical elixir of immortality. The verso features a deep, rectangular niche, once used to house paper prayers, spirit tablets, or ritual offerings, reinforcing its devotional function. Traces of original lacquer and pigment remain across the surface, lending the figure a rich, timeworn patina and evidence of long veneration. Size: 5" W x 11" H (12.7 cm x 27.9 cm)

Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection

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 # 192284

  • Condition: Head is reattached with visible breakline. Stable pressure fissures and abrasions. Dark patina.

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