Lot 740
Pair of Polychromed Wood Guardian Figures. China, Late Ming Dynasty, 17th century. Boldly carved, the seated figures are similar, yet different. Each on thick, stolid throne, sitting frontal with one hand resting on knee, while other is hooked around belt running across chest. Differences show in the clothing details and facial expression. The black-faced, hawk-visaged figure likely a warrior type because the scale covering over much of his garment. The second figure with contemplative expression and red face, and embroidered decoration to the robe. Wood figures that sit for long periods eventually get refurbihed. Among the layerings of paint, these show colors that might have been applied in the 60's or 70's. Height: 21". Each with paint losses, but none of importance.
Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,700.
Out of the Three Gorges area. With the initial flooding eminent for this vast hydroelectric project, the Chinese government allowed the Buddhist monasteries and temples to sell off objects and materials from their properties that were not of sufficient importance to relocate, and would otherwise be lost to the rising water levels. Thus these two pieces were purchased in this fashion and legally exported.
Designed to be 2 miles long and 607 feet high, the Three Gorges Project (or Three Gorges Dam) will eventually hold over 36 billion cubic yards of water. The new lake that will appear in this stretch of the Yangtze river is estimated to eventually cover 418 square miles, and stretch for 373 miles. Completion of the project is slated for 2007.
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