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Chinese Taoist Figure of Wenchang, Late Qing Dynasty, c. 1900, China

$1,950
£1,482.54
€1,710.90
CA$2,729.48
A$3,056.29
CHF 1,594.62
MX$37,238.60
NOK 20,234.55
SEK 19,237.67
DKK 12,770.77
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About the Item

A tall and impressive figure of the Taoist deity Wenchang Wang, carved, gessoed, lacquered, gilt and polychromed wood, Late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, Fujian, China. Wenchang, the Taoist deity of culture and literature, patron of authors, scholars, and students, is portrayed standing upright with his torso slightly twisted upon a tall octagonal black and red plinth decorated with a stylized lotus reserve. He is dressed as a gentleman scholar or court official, wearing heavy and sumptuous golden robes with raised leiwen (key fret) hems, and decorated with a raised dragon square to the chest. An elaborate collar with raised designs, green shoes with ruyi speed fronts, and a red official's hat, futou, upon his head complete his wardrobe. Wenchang carries a book, one of his identifying attributes, in the crook of his arm, his hands clasped in front, hidden within the ample sleeves of his robe. The dignified deity's face is round and benevolent. He looks outwards from almond shaped eyes over a flat nose and full, red lips. This impressive figure has been carved from a single block of fragrant camphor wood, then gessoed, polychromed, and lacquer gilt. Raised designs on the robes, cap, and plinth created using rice paste. Provenance: Private California and Texas collection Orientations, San Francisco, 1989
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 19.25 in (48.9 cm)Width: 7 in (17.78 cm)Depth: 6.75 in (17.15 cm)
  • Style:
    Qing (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Wood,Gilt,Hand-Carved,Hand-Painted,Lacquered
  • Place of Origin:
    China
  • Period:
    1900-1909
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1900
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading. Minor losses to the gesso, lacquer, pigments, and gilding, as seen in photos. Possible missing hanging element to the back of the hat.
  • Seller Location:
    Austin, TX
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU894740533022

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