5\' 4\" SCARCE Daoist Taoist Shrine Ming Dynasty 17th Century Qing Dynasty 19th C For Sale

Antique Daoist Shrine,Ancestral Shrine

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

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This special family altar was placed inside or outside the home to connect with the spirit realm and strengthen your own spiritual nature.

Particularly scarce due to its size, (twice as big as most commonly seen domestic shrines) with beautifully hand carved dragon finials on the end of the roof. Its size and carved splendorsuggest its original owner had wealth and stature,possibly a government bureaucrat.

We purchased the temple during our visit to Zhuhai, China, over 25years ago; found it among other unique artifacts, and had it shippedto our home in the states.Additional photosavailable upon asking. I willtry to answerall questions to the best to my ability.

(See last photo, shows the condition when wediscovered it)

* Structure: Shrine itself is 34 inches high by 24 inches wide(dragon to dragon)

Octagonal (8 sided) temple isamazinglyintricately Hand Carved wood.

* Age:Uncertain. 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: (individual tiles) seem to be carved in sections.

Please note, that a small section fell off and we had it repaired.

* Dragons:NO two of the16 Dragonsareidentical andTHEY MOVE around poles

· (Notice theintricatelycarved reptile scales)

First style:8 intricatelyhand carved Dragon Heads are 4 inches tall. Each one is placed on the roof’s 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 precisethat 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)

· Lamp and small buddha statues will be included.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 aflashlightto see it. We bought and placed an electric lamp inside and light it at night for a beautiful experience. The height inside from floor to ceiling is 14 inches.Lamp and small buddha statues will be included.

·*Religion:The inside has a large area for offerings and incense, which we were told it was lit twice a month when offering food and prayers were delivered.Daoism teaches that the Dao manifests itself across six different realms, the heaven, spirit, human, animal, earthly, and ghost realms.

*The Stand.We commissioned the stand to be constructed there inChina by a Chinese artisan,

before shipping it to us. Very pleasedthat stand was very well made, sturdy, and carved on

the top edgeto resemble the shrine. The stand is made of the same wood andfits so perfect,

that it looks like one piece.(See last photo ofthe way we discovered the shrine.)

* Condition:Very beautiful shrine has flaws due to age, roof hasseparated in some areas.

Remember that it is hand carved, so the flaws donot hinder its uniqueness or fine quality.

I spray water on the shrine often to keep the wood from cracking.

* Shipping:Free pick-up from Sedona, AZ.only. Both parts are heavy, andveryfragile.

My husband was in the US Army, stationed in Germany, where we lived for almost two years, bought a car and traveled throughout Europe purchasing items.Hubby was an International Corporate Executive, which gave us the opportunity to travel throughout the U.S., Europe,and Asia.We\'vepurchased many unique items including Asian, European, and American Antiques, Pottery, Furniture and Artwork. Our U.S. collectibles include hundreds of new and antique Dolls, Books that once belonged to my father born 1919, Jewelry that is mine and treasured pieces that once belonged to my grandmother born 1884 and my mother born in 1921. I\'m also selling vintage an brand name Clothing, including our Americana collection.God was good to us, by giving us the opportunity to collect many beautiful items purchased throughout the world, which I am now selling for a reasonable price.
Itry my very best to describe each item accurately by showing lots of photos.Please examine all the photos and description.If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me before offerding.I will answer all questions promptly.Once I see your response, I will give one to you.Please note:Many Items (over $100.) will be shipped INSURED, with SIGNATURE REQUIREDfor your safety. If you receive a package that is damaged, please contact me and I will file a claim, and you will be completely refunded after the item is returned.Ifyou have a problem with an item, PLEASE contact me, and I will try my best to work with you!! THANK YOU!