A Chinese blanc-de-chine figure of Doumu. Second half 18th Century. Doumu modelled with eighteen arms and seated upon a lotus throne. Small prayer compartment to back. Two arms with old repairs, minor loss to a few fingers. Measures 9"x6"x16". Weight 8 pds. Shipping on this item offered through, Pak Mail 843-849-0310 - info@charlestonshipping.com or Quik Mail Etc 843-723-6598 quikmailetc@gmail.com Please contact one of them or your own choice of shipper directly. The Taoistic goddess Doumu was originally the Indian Maritchi, and hence Buddhist, but the Taoists soon captured her as their goddess of the Pole Star. Doumu of Tou-mu wears the Buddhist crown and sits upon a lotus throne. She has three eyes (the third eye is in one of her hands) and eighteen arms in which she holds the sun and moon and other precious objects. She was believed to control the books of life and death so all who wish to prolong their days would worship her. PROVENANCE: From the collection of Rear Admiral William Henry Allen and Mrs. Thayer Capers Allen. Rear Admiral Allen was a native of Florence SC and Mrs. Allens parents were from Charleston, SC (Rev. William Henry Capers and Anna Margaret Missroon)/ Rear Admiral Allen graduated from the Naval Academy in 1901. During his illustrious career he participated in and was awarded medals in seven wars including WWII. He was awarded the Legion of Merit in 1944 by FDR for exceptionally meritorious conduct which contributed materially to the successful operations of the fleet and were decisive factors in driving enemy submarines from our coastal waters. He was awarded an honorary Doctorate by the University of SC. Rear Admiral Allen was a Captain of the Charleston Navy Yard 1926-1927. In May 1934 he assumed command of the 16th Naval District in Cavite, Philippine Islands. In March 1935 he was ordered to duty as the Commander of the Yangtze Patrol in China. From 1938 to 1942 the Allens resided in the Admirals Quarters on the Charleston Navy Yard while he served as Commandant of the 6th, 7th and 8th Naval Districts during the run up to WWII. The Allens were consummate entertainers and collectors, especially of Asian Porcelain, Antiques and Art.

Two arms with old repairs, minor loss to a few fingers.