Bidspirit auction | Antique Chinese Polychrome Lacquer Temple

Antique Chinese Polychrome Lacquer Temple Figure of Guan Yu - Chinese polychrome lacquer temple figure of Guan Yu / Guan Gong / Guandi, 19th century or earlier. The armored warrior deity is shown standing on a rectangular plinth, with red-painted face, fierce brows, applied black horsehair beard, and elaborate raised armor decoration picked out in red, green, orange, gilt, and black. Guan Yu, the historical Three Kingdoms general later deified in Chinese folk religion and Daoist worship, is one of the most recognizable Chinese protective deities. His red face and long beard are central identifiers, symbolizing loyalty, martial authority, and righteousness. This example retains strong folk-temple character, with expressive modeling, applied beard, painted armor panels, dragon-form shoulder detail, and traces of original polychrome and gilt decoration. The figure was likely originally displayed as a temple, shrine, altar, or processional figure. The hand position suggests it may once have held an attribute, probably a weapon or staff-form implement associated with martial deity imagery. Strong decorative presence with desirable age, surface wear, and ritual-folk character. Dimensions: 12 inches H x 6 W. Condition: Some loss to lacquer in places, please see photos.