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Yao Lingpai
stock number: 2031
price: $320.USD/$2400.HKD
description:
Very rare and eclectic Yao ‘lingpai’ (literally a ‘decree/order tablet’) and it represents the traditional bamboo tablet (usually with a written demand or report) presented to the emperor in the past. It is used by many ethnic groups in Southern China as well as the Han. During ceremonies (be they Nuo, Yao or Taoist etc.), the priest stands in front of the altar with the ‘lingpai’ held in both hands in front of him and bows to the divinities while chanting incantations. It can also be used to repel evil.
The very long characters carved on each side are not real Chinese characters but created by the priest from a combination of several characters in order to produce ‘secret/magic’ characters, the meaning of which are only understandable by initiated priests (and by deities and demons of course).
The picture with the detailed 3 characters (those are normal characters) reads: ’sanbaoling’; ‘order/decree of the three treasures’. As this piece was acquired with an ensemble of other ritual objects usually associated with the Yao, I am attributing it to this group. It is in fine condition with a well patinaed lacquer finish and dates to the early 20th century or earlier. L: 25.5cm/9.8in.
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