A GILT-LACQUERED BRONZE FIGURE OF BIXIA YUANJUN MING DYNASTY, 16TH / 17TH CENTURY

cast seated with hands held in front holding a hu, dressed in multi-layered robes with chased floral borders and fringed edges, the benign face framed by pendent earrings, trailing ribbons and an elaborate three-phoenix headdress, the surface covered with remains of gilt and red lacquer

Bixia Yuanjun or the Sovereign of the Clouds of Dawn is a legendary figure in Chinese folklore.  She was the daughter of the god of Mount Tai in Shandong, and a shrine was built for her at the top of the mountain during the Ming dynasty. She became one of the most popular Daoist deities and is still venerated as a protector of women and children.