SCARCE Daoist Taoist Shrine Ming dynasty 17th century Qing dynasty 19th century

Our Daoist Shrine, Ancestral Shrine or Tablet House

                     2-piece Shrine & Stand is 5 Feet, 4 inches tall

      The shrine is particularly scarce due to its size, twice as big as most commonly seen domestic shrines. The beautifully     carved dragon finials on the end of the roof copings supports this theory. Its size and carved splendor suggest its        original owner had wealth and stature, possibly a government bureaucrat.

          We purchased the temple during our visit to Zhuhai, China, 20 years ago; found it among other unique artifacts, and           had it shipped to our home in the states. (See last photo shows how we discovered it)

       The shrine itself is 34 inches high by 24 inches wide (dragon to dragon)

       NO two of the 16 Dragons are identical 

       (Notice the intricately carved reptile scales)

       Octagonal (8 sided) temple is amazingly intricately Hand carved wood.

       Age: is not certain, but the previous Chinese owner estimated the age to range from the Ming dynasty (mid 17th century) to late Qing dynasty (early 19th century). 

       The Wood Roof Tiles: (hundreds) seem to be carved in sections. Please note, that a small section fell off and we had it repaired.

       Dragons: First style: 8 intricately hand carved Dragon Heads are 4 inches tall. Each one is placed on the roofs edge. each. They were carved to look identical, but no two are exactly alike. 

       Second style: 8 unique, movable cylinder full Dragons are 9 inches tall, hand carved and guarding the outside the shrine. They are so accurate and precise that they are actually movable pedestals, that can be turned by hand, around and move up and down. 

       Inside: The shrine has what I call a walkway that goes around the entire shrine, with 8 entrances nicely carved and leading to the main area. Each of those octagonal areas leading into the entrance to the main area are 4 inches wide. (See photos) 

       The Main Inside Flat Area: originally was used for incense or candles (top of the inside of the roof shows minor scorched marks if you look up inside with a flashlight to see it. The height inside from floor to ceiling is 14 inches.

       Religion: The inside has a large area for offerings and incense, which we were told was lit twice a month when offering food and prayers. Daoism teaches that the Dao manifests itself across six different realms, the heaven, spirit, human, animal, earthly, and ghost realms. A family altar is placed inside or outside the home to connect with the spirit realm and strengthen your own spiritual nature. Also, there is basically no difference between the words Taoism and Daoism and both represent the same age old Chinese religious philosophy.                 

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          The Stand. We commissioned the stand to be constructed there in China by a Chinese artisan, before shipping it to us.            Very pleased that stand was very well made, sturdy, and carved on the top edge to resemble the shrine. The stand is                  made of the same wood and fits so perfect, that it looks like one piece. (See last photo of the way we discovered the               shrine.)

       Condition: Very beautiful shrine has flaws due to age, roof has separated in some areas. Remember that it is hand carved, so the flaws do not hinder its uniqueness or fine quality. (NOTE THE STATUE IS NOT INCLUDED)

       Shipping: Due to the size, and the fact that these are two pieces, we will ship separately through FedEx insured. They are heavy, very fragile and need to be packed well. Will ship within the continental US. Additional shipping fees if sold International are at the expense of Buyer if shipping out of the country. Free local 

       pick-up in Sedona, AZ.

     Additional photos: Available upon asking. We will try to answer all questions to the best of our ability.