G687 A COLLECTION OF 9 WOODEN FIGURES OF SAINTS (SANTOS)

PHILIPPINES

HISPANO-FILIPINO

CIRCA 18^TH CENTURY

WOOD AND MIXED MATERIALS

NOTE: These sculptures are not in the UK and will be shipped directly.

Santos, carved wood images of saints, were introduced into the Philippine archipelago during the 16th century by the Spanish soldiers and priests of the conquista. Figures of Christ, the Virgin Mary and a long litany of saints were made by local (including Chinese) craftsmen to grace church altars and domestic shrines.

Authentic Philippines Santos figures are extremely rare.

Provenance: Private German collection.
Previously in the collection of Michael ‘Mike’ Smith, 1938-2018. Acquired during the 1970s. Mr Smith was an executive with IBM and lived in Hong Kong and Bangkok for more than 50 years.

References:
Esperanza Bunag Gatbonton, A Heritage of Saints – Colonial Santos in the Philippines, Manila / Hong Kong: Esperanza Bunag Gatbonton & Editorial Associates Ltd, 1979.
Regalado Trota José, Images of Faith: Religious Ivory Carvings from the Philippines, Pasadena: Pacific Asia Museum, 1990.

G687.9 HEAVY WOOD RELIEF SCULPTURE OF MARIA (SANTOS)

H. 44 CMS, 17 ¼ INS