A Hand Carved, Gilt Finished Wooden Statue's Base: Buddhist Accessory

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
overall size: 5 1/4" x 7 1/4" x 3 1/2", 14 cm x 18.5 cm x 9 cm
size of area to place statue: 2 1/2" x 4", 6.5 cm x 10 cm

This small, beautifully formed and finished sculpture base is made of four, stacked individual pieces: two lacquered pieces on the bottom and two, carved gilt pieces on top of them.

The topmost piece is carved in the shape of a lotus signifying that a Buddhist deity was meant to be placed on this base.

The dark tone of the base is somber: its presence has a mood of respect and this is very much what is necessary for whatever image of whatever deity is placed here. It is meant to be venerated and this base casts the perfect feeling.

Its condition is used but good and even by itself this is a wonderful thing to look at--and its history is a wonderful thing to imagine.