Chinese Ancestor Figure - 19thC Material Cardboard The bell is surmounted by

The bell is surmounted by a finely cast devotional figure seated in prayer

Although pottery has been produced in China for over 15

This is due to the word for bat (fu 蝠) and good fortune (fu 福 sounding identical

reflecting the thoughtful functionality of the design

The seat is made from cane & has been replaced

Chinese Ancestor Figure - 19thC Material Cardboard The bell is surmounted byAncestor worship was an integral part of Chinese culture for many centuries and played an important part in each family's clan life. Ancestor figures were cherished and honored daily with an offering of incense. This was believed to protect the home and family members. Chinese "kin", lineage, is also known as a "clan". These are families of direct male descendants sharing the same surname. Clans are still most active in the southern and eastern