A set of three lacquered Wood Daoist household guardiansMing dynasty, 16th century
The figures well carved, each in a characteristic pose, possibly depicting three of the six Daoist household spirits (jiazhai liushen); the wood covered with gesso, silver and red lacquer imitating gold.
18 1/2in (47cm) height of tallest figure (3).注脚For a Ming dynasty painting that includes these deities, see Stephen Little, Taoism and the Arts of China (Chicago, 2000), pp.262-263, no.86.