Very old solid wood statue depicts the Taoist Zen Master. He wears typical Tao robe and hat, with two fingers pointing up, and the left hand on his knee. Such a mudra symbolizes the connection of heaven and earth which is consistent with the Taoist belief of uniting energies. On the back of statue, there is a covered niche. Such a niche usually stores a hand written message, often a prayer, written by the person who commissioned the sculpture for the purpose of donating to the temple, as an expression of worship and devotion.
This is a rare, unique piece from early 19th century.
