Chinese statuette of Kuixing
Forani Collection
Cat. No: IN02-1418

Carved wood figure of Kuixing, the Chinese God of Examinations and Literature. Probably 19th century, and certainly pre-1912 when the imperial examinations were terminated. L of base: 7.00 cm. H: 11.00 cm. Acquired: Lijiang, Yunnan, China.

Note. Kuixing is here represented in traditional posture running with a measuring-vessel in his left hand, a writing-brush in his right hand, horn-bumps on his head, his left leg raised and his right foot on the head of the bearded human-faced turtle Ao which is emerging from water. All educated Chinese families kept an image like this in their home well into the first half of the 20th century.

Photo: John Noone IMG_1702.jpg