药王菩萨 - 木 - 中国 - 清朝，17-18世纪
编号 88405089
A Rare and Exquisite Medicine King Bodhisattva, Early Qing Dynasty, 17th-18th Century, China
H42 x W16.7 x D12 cm
This wood carving of the Medicine King is depicted in a standing position, exuding an aura of authority and wisdom. Behind the Medicine King is a dragon, while a tiger stands upright on all fours, looking up at him. The dragon and the tiger symbolize the legend of the Medicine King curing the dragon’s eyes and the tiger’s throat. The surface of the carving is painted and gold-plated, with remnants of the gold layer still visible in places, adding to its historical significance. Notably, there is a rectangular hole on the back of the carving, but the seal is missing.
The face of the Medicine King is elliptical with half-closed eyes, imparting a serene expression. He wears a fu hat, with the hatband elegantly hanging down to his shoulders. His attire consists of a wide-sleeved, round-collared robe, adorned with a brocade patch featuring a bird motif on the abdomen, indicating his status. He also wears long pants and black boots. His left hand is raised, holding the dragon's head, while his right hand holds a gold ingot (yuanbao), symbolizing wealth and prosperity. The posture is dynamic, with the left foot firmly on the stepping platform, and the right foot bent and raised atop the tiger's head.
The Medicine King is revered as the god in charge of medicine. In Buddhism, he is known as the Medicine King Bodhisattva. However, there are various opinions regarding his true identity. One theory suggests that the Medicine King was Guanglu Qing Wei Xun (廣祿卿韋恂), a skilled physician during the reign of Emperor Zhongzong of the Tang Dynasty, or Zhang Shanjun (張善俊), who lived during the reign of Empress Wu of the Tang Dynasty. During this era, Taoism was widely worshipped, and it is said that both Wei and Zhang carried black dogs with them, offering medicine to those in need.
Other beliefs identify the Medicine King as the ancient and renowned doctors Bian Que (扁鵲) and Hua Tuo (華佗). In Taiwanese folk religion, the Medicine King is associated with Shennong the Great (神農大帝), a deity of agriculture and medicine. Meanwhile, Taoism honors Sun Simiao, a prominent figure from the Sui and Tang Dynasties, as the Medicine King, respectfully calling him "Sun Zhenren (孫真人)." It is said that Sun Simiao (孫思邈) possessed the miraculous ability to cure the dragon's eyes and the tiger's throat. This particular statue of the Medicine King bears a striking resemblance to the depictions of Sun Simiao, reflecting his esteemed status in traditional Chinese medicine and culture.
A similar example in the collection of the National Museum of Taiwan History, Tainan:
https://collections.nmth.gov.tw/CollectionContent.aspx?a=132&RNO=2017.001.1227#
Condition:
Overall in very good condition. The surface shows some degree of scratching and wear due to its age. The overall surface leaves traces of pigments. No restoration.
Shipping worldwide by EMS, usually 7-14 days to deliver.
A Rare and Exquisite Medicine King Bodhisattva, Early Qing Dynasty, 17th-18th Century, China
H42 x W16.7 x D12 cm
This wood carving of the Medicine King is depicted in a standing position, exuding an aura of authority and wisdom. Behind the Medicine King is a dragon, while a tiger stands upright on all fours, looking up at him. The dragon and the tiger symbolize the legend of the Medicine King curing the dragon’s eyes and the tiger’s throat. The surface of the carving is painted and gold-plated, with remnants of the gold layer still visible in places, adding to its historical significance. Notably, there is a rectangular hole on the back of the carving, but the seal is missing.
The face of the Medicine King is elliptical with half-closed eyes, imparting a serene expression. He wears a fu hat, with the hatband elegantly hanging down to his shoulders. His attire consists of a wide-sleeved, round-collared robe, adorned with a brocade patch featuring a bird motif on the abdomen, indicating his status. He also wears long pants and black boots. His left hand is raised, holding the dragon's head, while his right hand holds a gold ingot (yuanbao), symbolizing wealth and prosperity. The posture is dynamic, with the left foot firmly on the stepping platform, and the right foot bent and raised atop the tiger's head.
The Medicine King is revered as the god in charge of medicine. In Buddhism, he is known as the Medicine King Bodhisattva. However, there are various opinions regarding his true identity. One theory suggests that the Medicine King was Guanglu Qing Wei Xun (廣祿卿韋恂), a skilled physician during the reign of Emperor Zhongzong of the Tang Dynasty, or Zhang Shanjun (張善俊), who lived during the reign of Empress Wu of the Tang Dynasty. During this era, Taoism was widely worshipped, and it is said that both Wei and Zhang carried black dogs with them, offering medicine to those in need.
Other beliefs identify the Medicine King as the ancient and renowned doctors Bian Que (扁鵲) and Hua Tuo (華佗). In Taiwanese folk religion, the Medicine King is associated with Shennong the Great (神農大帝), a deity of agriculture and medicine. Meanwhile, Taoism honors Sun Simiao, a prominent figure from the Sui and Tang Dynasties, as the Medicine King, respectfully calling him "Sun Zhenren (孫真人)." It is said that Sun Simiao (孫思邈) possessed the miraculous ability to cure the dragon's eyes and the tiger's throat. This particular statue of the Medicine King bears a striking resemblance to the depictions of Sun Simiao, reflecting his esteemed status in traditional Chinese medicine and culture.
A similar example in the collection of the National Museum of Taiwan History, Tainan:
https://collections.nmth.gov.tw/CollectionContent.aspx?a=132&RNO=2017.001.1227#
Condition:
Overall in very good condition. The surface shows some degree of scratching and wear due to its age. The overall surface leaves traces of pigments. No restoration.
Shipping worldwide by EMS, usually 7-14 days to deliver.
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