- 227
Daoist hanging scroll
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- A scroll depicting the Jade Emperor surrounded by figures from Daoism, Buddhism, Confucianism and popular religion. [Early nineteenth century]
- Scroll painting
Large hanging scroll (image area 214 x 112cm.; overall 232 x 130cm. including border), ink and colours on paper, on several sheets joined, modern pale blue silk border, some small areas of loss, expertly restored and laid down on paper
Literature
All Under Heaven 27
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
A VERY LARGE AND IMPRESSIVE PAINTED SCROLL. "As a pantheon of divinities, this work illustrates many pre-modern Chinese people's eclectic interest in multiple religious practices and ends. In the upper third of the work, figures from Buddhism and Daoism appear in a heavenly realm of billowing clouds. The historical Buddha, Shakamuni (Shijiamunifo), is surrounded by other Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and such fearsome but protective figures as the Four Heavenly Kings (Sida tianwang) and the Four Great Vajras (Sida jin'gang). Tibetan Buddhist attire and esoteric iconography identify a number of these figures as originating in the Tibetan Tantric Buddhism that many of the Qing emperors supported. The main figure below Shakyamuni is the Jade Emperor (Yuhuang dadi). Attended by the Dark Warrior (Xuanwu), Confucius, and others, he holds court and receives a report. Beneath the Jade Emperor, roiling waves spill into the middle third of the pantheon, carrying a boatful of watery gods. Among them are the White Dragon (Bailong), the Dragon Mother (Longmu), and the Water Official (Shuiguan) ... Prominent among the gods in this terrestrial section are popular deities worshipped for long life and good fortune [including] Guan Yu... who came to be worshipped as a god of wealth... immediately to the right of the watery deities are the Stars of Good Fortune, Emolument, and Longevity (Fuxing, Luxing, and Shouxing). At the base of the palace structure on the left side of the painting sit the gods of the Five Paths to Wealth (Wulu casihen)" (All Under Heaven).
One notable feature of this painting is that many of the figures are neatly named, which is not common.
One notable feature of this painting is that many of the figures are neatly named, which is not common.