Chinese Men, Women & Children Statues

Chinese statues were often created with symbolic significance. Many antique figurines of men, women, and children were created out of lacquered wood, porcelain, and even jade. These figures were usually of religious or historical significance.

Most commonly, Asian statues of people were representations of either Buddha or various Buddhist deities. Most Buddhist deities were men, with the exception of Guanyin who is portrayed in Chinese culture as a woman for her compassion. Chinese statues of people also featured important political figures, emperors, and empresses. Wu Zetian, an empress who successfully ruled in the Tang dynasty from 625-705 A.D., is one commonly sculpted figure of importance.

Quick Facts

• Asian Statues of children were given as gifts for good luck. Sometimes these sculptures were also given to new couples hoping to conceive a baby
• Poets and scholars were frequent subjects for Chinese figurines. These were usually depicted as old, wise men, and could be given as inspiration to an aspiring scholar
• In the past, Chinese statues could also be made for funerary purposes. These Asian statues were commissioned by royalty and represented family members, advisers, and soldiers so that the deceased would not proceed to the afterlife alone
• Similar to Chinese Statues, <a href=”https://www.invaluable.com/african-sculptures-statues/sc-ONZBC86WTL/”>African statues and figurines</a> also have a very strong symbolic significance and often represent important men and women.