Guardian; China; dynasty, Qing, 19th century.

Guardian; China; Dynasty, Qing, 19th century.
Carved and polychrome wood.
Measurements: 57 x 19 x 14 cm.
Sculpture in carved wood of round bulk representing a guardian or warrior. It is possible that it is the representation of Guan Yu, considered the god of war, wealth and protection in Chinese mythology.
Under the Qing, inherited art forms flourished and innovations occurred at many levels and of many types. High levels of literacy, a successful publishing industry, thriving cities, and a Confucian emphasis on cultivation nurtured a lively and creative set of cultural fields. During this period, the European tendency to imitate Chinese artistic traditions, known as chinoiserie, also gained great popularity in Europe due to increased trade with China and the broader current of Orientalism.