roddy 5,435 Report post Posted January 28, 2020 Ok, so we've got these in the house. They're not mine and I'm told they're a few hundred years old and Chinese. They're somewhat bashed and battered. No idea. But what I'm actually interested in - if you look at the hands, they're clearly designed to be holding some kind of staff or weapon in both hands. So question: What? And could you get replacements (not originals, obviously, but something that might look like it might be?) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
889 1,751 Report post Posted January 28, 2020 Although not strictly necessary to answer your question, a view of the bottom is really important to understand the item. (As would be a plain straight-on view of the front and back of the item, not a slanted view.) A Google Images search on Chinese gesso or Chinese gesso figurine will bring things like this up. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ANTIQUE-CHINESE-STATUETTE-COURT-FIGURE-WOOD-POLYCHROME-GESSO-STATUE-SHRINE-/113939110478 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shelley 1,860 Report post Posted January 28, 2020 Would they be to hold a joss stick? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim 804 Report post Posted January 29, 2020 Are they the 四大天王 you see guarding temple shrines? Can't get the pics to enlarge but the one with his hand raised reminded me. If so, you only need one weapon, otherwise it's also a brolly and a lute: 多闻天王 is just cupping his ear empty handed. 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
大块头 465 Report post Posted January 29, 2020 The one with the lute is really metal! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mungouk 989 Report post Posted January 30, 2020 On 1/29/2020 at 5:40 AM, Jim said: 多闻天王 is just cupping his ear empty handed. Looks like he has a snake up his sleeve though... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shelley 1,860 Report post Posted January 30, 2020 On 1/29/2020 at 5:40 AM, Jim said: Can't get the pics to enlarge If you click on the picture I get a larger picture and his snake is clearly visible. 23 hours ago, 大块头 said: The one with the lute is really metal! The original The Hu Band? 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roddy 5,435 Report post Posted January 31, 2020 Photos... Thanks for the term Gesso. I can't see any options for replacement weapons (what would they have held?) except perhaps getting them carved or 3D printed... Fronts . Backs Bottoms Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
889 1,751 Report post Posted January 31, 2020 Here's one with a banner, which has been restored. Appropriate if this is a Manchu warrior. https://www.rubylane.com/item/380170-34135chn/Antique-Chinese-Qing-Figure-Gilded-Statue Says there should also be a hand weapon, which is "lost to history." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roddy 5,435 Report post Posted January 31, 2020 Might do a banner of my face. See how long before anyone notices. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
