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Sets of such altarpieces were placed on the altars of Buddhist temples. See McArthur, M. (2004), 'Reading Buddhist Art: An Illustrated Guide to Buddhist Signs and Symbols', London: Thames & Hudson. Page 119.

One of an altar set of the Eight Buddhist Emblems, ba ji xiang. Depicts the Umbrella mounted on a lotus pedestal, constructed in two detachable parts. The lotus pedestal consists of a platform surrounded by multi-tiered overlapping lotus petals, raised on a tall stem embellished with four foliate scrolls, set atop a domed embellished base with sea waves, bands of cloud motifs and bosses, and a row of curved petals at the bottom. The umbrella is a symbol of dignity and high rank in China, as it protects wealthy people against rain and sunshine. In Buddhism, it symbolises spiritual power and protection from the cycle of samsara, an eternal cycle of birth, suffering, death, and rebirth. Carved wood covered with red lacquer and gold pigment.

altar piece
13.12.54/8
Anthropology

1 item (description level: part)
Additional names, titles, or classifications
classified as:  altar pieces (ritual & belief: ritual apparatus)
object name (Horniman Ethno.):  altar piece

Place
China, East Asia; Asia
Additional place information
made or collected:  China 
Date made
early to mid 20th century
Additional date information
1901-1954 
early to mid 20th century 

Materials and techniques
wood; pigment; lacquer
Additional material & technique information
material: wood (overall)
material: pigment (overall)
material: lacquer (overall)
Measurements
overall: 590 x 225 mm
Additional measurement information
overall: 590 x 225 mm
Inscriptions
label:  A .

Provenance
vendor:  Glendining & Co., Ltd.  sale 1954-12-13

Use
Placed on the altars of Buddhist temples.


Related objects
part of the same set:  altar piece (13.12.54/6)
part of the same set:  altar piece (13.12.54/5)
part of the same set:  altar piece (13.12.54/3)
part of the same set:  altar piece (13.12.54/1)
Related subjects
Buddhism
Carving
Symbols
object name (Horniman Ethno.): altar pieces (ritual & belief: religious buildings & furnishings)
classified as: altar pieces (ritual & belief: ritual apparatus)
material: lacquer
material: pigment
unclassified: pigment
material: wood
unclassified: wood

Record created 2000-01-22 by JPUNNETT
Record last updated 2013-01-24 by RSHEPHERD

Location

  • in store

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