A
century old wood carving of the Kitchen God, exquisitely carved from a single
block of camphor wood, and detailed with an unique Chinese formula of gesso and
saw-dust mixture, meticulously rendered with ultra fine embossed motifs, and ornamental
jewel chains that festoon the edges of his robes.
The Kitchen God is wearing a gilded, black and red lacquered cap, imperial yellow
robe with five cranes, holding a wish-granting Ruyi scepter in his right hand,
and left a gold piece. The application of gold foil and lacquer, completed with
layers of gilt and polychrome finishing, created
an opulent effect for this audacious statue. Which is meticulously
preserved with only minor imperfection.