Chinese Temple Pillar with Standing Figure

A man with a large bird on his shoulder, and an urn at his feet.

This temple pillar with standing figure comes from Shanxi Province, China, and dates to the 18th century. It is stone. Shanxi is known for an unusually rich survival of old temples and carved architectural stone. The figure stands out in deep relief from a plain squared post, in a pleated robe, with what looks like a bird perched high against his head and shoulder. A narrow-necked jar sits just below his feet. The grey-cream surface looks pitted and worn. It stands 34 inches high.

He has been carrying that bird for some time now, without complaint.