CHINE - XIXe siècle - Lot 269

CHINE - XIXe siècle Two articulated wooden dolls. The black-faced one is the god of wealth known by two names: 趙玄壇 Zhao Xuantan (so called for his exorcist powers) or 趙公明 Zhao Gongming (so called when referred to as the god of wealth 财神). The one with the red face, is either Marshal Ma 馬元帥, or Marshal Wang 王霛官, both of whom have the 3rd eye and are among the 4 celestial marshals. Height: 90 cm approx. Complete with accessories: shoes, headdress, and embroidered silk garments. On the body of the black face are inscribed the following characters: warrior spirit of wealth (武财神 wu caishen). One of the characters is missing two fingers on one hand. The costumes are those of Peking opera. The characters are articulated and the heads are removable. Provenance: Collection of C. E. Tanant, Inspector General of Customs in Peking (1880-1920?).