Early Qing Chinese Polychrome Gilt Wood Medicine King Yaowang Figure 17th-18th C For Sale

Early Qing Dynasty, 17th–18th Century, China
H 42 × W 16.7 × D 12 cm (H 16.5 × W 6.6 × D 4.7 in)

A rare and finely carved polychrome and gilt wood figure of the Medicine King (Yaowang), dating to the early Qing Dynasty, 17th–18th century.

The deity is depicted standing dynamically upon a raised pedestal, accompanied by a dragon and a tiger, two animals closely associated with traditional legends surrounding the Medicine King. The dragon rises dramatically behind the figure, while the tiger stands beside his feet, looking upward. This distinctive iconography is traditionally associated with stories in which the Medicine King cured a dragon’s eyes and treated a tiger’s throat.

The figure is carved with an elongated oval face, downcast eyes and a composed expression. He wears an official-style cap with long trailing elements and flowing robes with broad sleeves. The abdomen is decorated with a finely carved ornamental panel incorporating a bird motif, while the folds of the garments are rendered in deeply carved, rhythmic lines.

One hand is raised beside the dragon, while the other is held before the body with an ingot-shaped attribute. The composition is highly animated, with one leg firmly planted upon the pedestal and the other bent and raised, creating a strong sense of movement.

The sculpture retains extensive traces of its original polychrome decoration and gilding, particularly on the garments, face, pedestal and decorative details. The surviving layers of pigment and gilding contribute considerably to the historical character of the piece.

The reverse reveals the openwork construction of the sculpture and a rectangular consecration cavity, whose original cover is now missing.

In Chinese religious tradition, the title Yaowang, or “Medicine King,” has been associated with a number of celebrated physicians and healing deities. Among the best known is Sun Simiao (581–682), the renowned physician of the Sui and Tang periods, who was later venerated as the Medicine King.

Traditional legends recount his miraculous treatment of a dragon and a tiger, imagery that became closely connected with representations of the deity. The dragon-and-tiger composition of the present sculpture therefore strongly recalls the iconography associated with Sun Simiao.

The combination of vigorous carving, complex openwork composition, surviving polychromy and the unusual dragon-and-tiger imagery makes this a particularly expressive example of early Qing religious wood sculpture.

Overall in good and structurally stable antique condition, consistent with age. The surface shows age-related wear, including rubbing, abrasions, losses to the original pigments and gilding, minor chips, cracks, old insect holes and areas of surface erosion. Traces of the original polychrome decoration and gilding remain visible throughout. The original cover of the rectangular consecration cavity on the reverse is missing.

Examination under ultraviolet light did not reveal any obvious restoration or later repair. No obvious restoration is apparent from visual inspection. The sculpture remains structurally stable overall.

Please refer carefully to all photographs, including the ultraviolet-light images, for a complete understanding of the condition and surface details.

This item is accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity.

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