Golden house hides gods. 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, and price comparisons of divine statues from various dynasties since the Eastern Han Dynasty. It fully explains the value of these treasures that have been passed down to this day, making it an easy-to-understand guide for collectors. Where there is a deity, there is cohesion; where there is a deity, there is. During the late Qin Dynasty, Chen Sheng's uprising drew upon the mystique of deities. He placed written silk strips in a fish's belly, which the soldier who opened the fish discovered, only to find the words "Chen Sheng is the King." Later, he pretended to hear foxes cry, "The Great Chu will rise, Chen Sheng will be the King!" Thus, Chen Sheng used the "divine gift" of the title "King" to rally support, and people responded en masse. It is common to see small compartments carved into the backs of divine statues, where five grains, gold utensils, bats' eggs, and seahorses are stored. After the statue is consecrated, professionals from the deity's sect write the donor's surname, address, and wishes. This area is believed to be the deity's heart, so the deity can always remember the donor and protect them. This is the purpose of creating statues. Therefore, the donors believe in: "Three kowtows in the morning and evening, one incense stick daily. Recite the true scriptures every day, and ensure peace year after year." Since the Eastern Han Dynasty, divine statues from various dynasties 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, referring to various schools of thought in religion and academia, as well as the founders of various trades. This book briefly discusses the origins, characteristics of different eras, collection histories, and price comparisons of divine statues from various dynasties since the Eastern Han Dynasty. It fully explains the value of these treasures that have been passed down to this day, making it an easy-to-understand guide for collectors.