Pair of Polychrome Gilt Gesso Painted Carved Statues Temple Deity

Date: 18th Century
Period: Qing dynasty (1644-1912)
Materials: Asian hardwood
Dimensions: (Approx. measurements) H 18.5 cm x W 11cm D:11cm

The figures would of adorned an altar in a temple or private home shrine hand carved from a single piece of wood. The figures both wear richly decorated gilded robes and head dresses decorated with clouds in relief polychrome pigments (including gold) lacquered and elaborate gesso which is incredibly detailed, carefully hand painted and lacquered

These highly revered deities are believed to be the Hehe Erxian twins, Two Gods of He and Ho who represent harmony and mirth as well as bestowing blessings on marriages. The word 'he' is the homonym for ‘union’, while erxian means ‘the two holy ones’. They represent the two famous poet-monks of the Tang Dynasty, Hanshan and Shide. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the twins were usually depicted holding a box and a lotus stem.

There are several legendary tales behind two celestial beings of He and Ho, among them there is one regarding the two monks living a secluded life in Mountain Tiantai in the Tang Dynasty by the name of Hanshan and Shide. The story is based on Poems of Hanshan and Shide composed by Lv Qiuyin.

Hanshan was bestowed the title of He God in times of the Emperor Yongzheng in the Qing Dynasty and Shide was offered the title of Ho God. Because He and Ho were meant to be auspicious in Chinese, the two gods of He and Ho were the portraits of unity and harmony for hundreds of years.

Super decorative sculptural pieces to grace any serious collection.

Antique condition with age-appropriate patina wear.