"Golden House Concealing Immortals: Three Teachings and Nine Streams"

Author: Xia Feng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: This book is one in the series "Treasures Hidden in Golden Houses." It briefly discusses the origins, characteristics of different eras, collection histories of various individuals, and price comparisons across different periods of divine statues from the Eastern Han Dynasty onwards. It fully demonstrates the value of treasures that have survived to this day, making it an accessible and specialized guide for collectors. Where there is a god, there is a center of gravity; where there is a god, there is a call to action. At the end of the Qin Dynasty, Chen Sheng's uprising drew upon the mystique of gods. He placed written silk slips in fish bellies, which the soldiers discovered when they opened the fish. The slips read, "Chen Sheng will be king." Later, he feigned the sound of a fox crying, "The Great Chu will rise, Chen Sheng will be king!" Thus, Chen Sheng used the "divine gift" of the title "king" to rally support, and thousands responded. It is common to see small compartments carved into the backs of divine statues, where five grains, gold utensils, bats, and seahorses are stored. After the statue is consecrated, professionals from the divine path write the donor's surname, address, and wishes. This area is believed to be the statue's heart, so the god can always remember the devotee and grant blessings. This is the purpose of creating statues. Therefore, the devotees believe in: "Three bows in the morning and evening, one incense stick in the morning and evening. Recite the true scriptures every day, and ensure peace year after year."
Divine statues from all dynasties since the Eastern Han Dynasty have been influenced by the Three Teachings and Nine Schools. The Three Teachings are: 1) Taoism, 2) Buddhism, and 3) Confucianism. The Nine Schools are: Confucianism, Taoism, Yin-Yang, Legalism, Fame, Mohism, Diplomacy, Miscellaneous, and Agriculture. They broadly refer to various religious and academic schools of thought, as well as the founding figures of all trades and professions. This book briefly discusses the origins, characteristics of different eras, collection histories of various individuals, and price comparisons across different periods of divine statues from the Eastern Han Dynasty onwards. It fully demonstrates the value of treasures that have survived to this day, making it an accessible and specialized guide for collectors.