A rare and large gilt-lacquered wood figure of Wenchang

17th century

Footnotes

十七世紀 木漆金文昌帝君坐像

Displaying a remarkable level of refinement, evidenced in the upturned slippers and the intricate designs decorating the hems of the voluminuous robes cascading in multiple folds, the figure may be identified as Wenchang Wang, the Daoist God of Culture and Literature. First worshipped as a snake god known as 'the viper' in Sichuan during the Six Dynasties period, he rose to prominence until by the Tang dynasty he was worshipped as part of the Imperial cult. In the Song dynasty the deity revealed himself in human form as a Daoist god, the Divine Lord of Zitong. From the Song period onwards, Wenchang was widely worshiped by the literati, particularly candidates in the civil service examinations; he was also venerated for his powers of healing and exorcism. His cult ultimately achieved a national following; see S.Little, Taoism and the Arts of China, Chicago, 2000, p.267.

The technique of coating carved wood figures with gilt lacquer appears to have emerged during the early part of the Ming dynasty, continuing into the Qing dynasty and echoing in form and decoration Buddhist bronze figures. See a related gilt and lacquered wood figure of Guanyin, Qing dynasty, in the British Museum (ref.no.OA+.7339).

A related large gilt-lacquered wood figure of Guanyin, 17th/18th century, was sold at Bonhams London, 14 May 2015, lot 64.