Qing Dynasty Wooden Figure of a Taoist God of Thunder Lei Gong

Qing Dynasty, c. 1820–1900 AD, China

This exceptional Qing Dynasty wooden polychrome figure represents Lei Gong, the formidable Taoist God of Thunder and Heaven’s executioner. Dating to the mid. 19th century, this rare and imposing sculpture captures Lei Gong’s fearsome presence, characterized by his dragon-like features, beak-like mouth, and powerful stance atop a rectangular plinth. His right hand, once wielding a mallet (now missing), is raised in an act of divine authority, while his left hand clutches a chisel, the instrument he uses to punish evildoers.

Traditionally depicted with dark blue skin and a fearsome visage, Lei Gong is known to generate thunder by striking his drum with a mallet while using his chisel to deliver divine retribution. He is often portrayed riding a chariot driven by his young assistant, A Xiang. This remarkable figure exemplifies the rich Taoist traditions of divine justice and celestial power.

During the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), wooden house gods were an integral part of Chinese religious practice. These sacred figures were often imbued with spiritual energy through the placement of sacrificial materials—such as insects, written prayers, rice grains, spices, or textile fragments—inside a cavity in the back, which was then sealed with a wooden bung. The presence of such figures in homes and temples reflected a deep devotion to the divine and a desire for protection, prosperity, and celestial favor.

This sculpture, with its striking polychrome finish and dynamic posture, is an extraordinary example of Qing religious art, embodying both the spiritual and artistic traditions of the era.

Good condition. Age-related heavy wear and abrasion. Mallet are missing. Considerable flaking and paint loss. Superb patina with encrusted, build-up residue and re-paint, consistent with age and use. Size approx. 26,8cm x 12,3cm x 9,8cm.  

Provenance: Swedish private collection