Daoist Manuscript

Folio (340 x 140mm.), illuminated manuscript on paper, 132 leaves, 28 paintings (12 double-page), bound concertina-style, yellow silk upper cover, cloth label on upper cover, housed in custom box, slightly worn, light dampstaining, without lower board, wear to covers

Cornelius J. Hauck, bookplate, purchased from the bookseller Emil Offenbacher (1909-1990); sale "The History of the Book: The Cornelius J. Hauck Collection", Christie's New York, 27 June 2006, lot 15

All Under Heaven 26

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A RARE AND RICHLY HAND-COLOURED DAOIST MANUSCRIPT, COMMISSIONED BY A CHINESE EMPRESS. "This illuminated manuscript presents a scripture from the Daoist canon. Composed during the Song dynasty. The Authentic Scripture is one of a set of five scriptures that purport to record a revelation by the legendary Daoist Laozi to Zhang Daoling (2nd century), who is considered by many to be the founder of religious Daoism. By modern times the text was one of the most widely recited religious books in China. Many Daoists believe that the stars of the constellation Northern Dipper (Beidou [or Big Dipper])... govern a person's life, with the year in which one is born determining the effective star. Daoist scriptures such as this one thus provide talismans with which believers engage the services of the officers of the Northern Dipper, who protect life and help people in difficulties. Ritual recitation of the scripture is thought to dispel misfortune and enable one to live long and prosperously. A colophon in the end of the manuscript states that it was produced for an empress of the Ming dynasty on the twenty-eighth day of the seventh lunar month in the twenty-second year of the Jiajing emperor's reign (1522-1566) 嘉靖二十二年, or 28 August 1543" (All Under Heaven).