Small Chinese Private Devotional Altar, 19th Century

Dedicated to Tudi Gong, the god of the earth, this small red and gold lacquered wooden shrine is a true work of art. The ideograms could be translated as: “The true god of the Earth, Fortune, and Virtue of this temple.”
This very popular god in China is often the protector of a specific area, understood as a village, temple, or neighborhood. A dragon crowns the inscription, holding the flaming pearl, a symbol of wisdom, in its claws. The two dragons on either side act as protective figures. The style of this small private altar, intended for offerings and incense, is reminiscent of southern Chinese art. The altar is in very good condition. The sculpture is in very good condition.