A large Daoist carved statue, Beijing C12th with silver charm

Daoist wooden statue, Song dynasty, C12th or C13th with vestiges of polychrome. Beijing, China.

This visually striking and tall carved wooden statue depicts a Daoist scholar official or immortal, standing at 22 cm tall. The figure retains vestiges of a moustache, hinting at its identification as a learned official, though it is missing its name tablet.

According to Dr. Regina Krahl of the British Museum, the statue dates to the 12th or 13th century during the Song dynasty, reflecting the artistic craftsmanship of that era.

Notably, this piece still retains a relic or charm pegged into its back, which speaks to its spiritual significance and the reverence afforded to such figures in Daoist tradition.

This figure was originally situated within a Daoist temple where it was removed during the Cultural Revolution and rescued from destruction.

Contained within a velvet lined custom-made box.