A LARGE GILT-LACQUERED BRONZE FIGURE OF A DAOIST IMMORTAL 17TH CENTURY

possible depicting Wenchang Wang, cast seated on a chamfered pedestal with the hands folded before the chest, wearing loose robes engraved with dragons, the shoulders similarly decorated with roundels enclosing the sun and the moon respectively, the bearded face with a benevolent expression flanked by long pendulous ears, crowned by a tall official hat decorated with mountain and waves

Christie's London, 15th June 1998, lot 107.

As visible in the catalogue photo, there is extensive flaking to the gilt-lacquer. Minor dents and bruises throughout. Some small holes and cracks on the reverse of the pedestal. The stone covering at the tip of the crown is a later addition.
"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."

Finely cast as a Daoist immortal wearing long robes sumptuously decorated with Daoist symbols, this figure is notable for its impressive size which together with the traces of gilt lacquer, hint at its original splendour. While its identification can only be speculated, the figure’s court attire, rectangular pendant around the neck and tall court hat are indicative of his elevated position in the Daoist pantheon. It may depict Wenchang Wang, also known as Wenchang dijun, the Daoist god of Culture and Literature, who is often depicted holding a ruyi-sceptre or a tablet.

The robe, ruyi-toed shoes, dragon design and lock pendant may be linked to a particular style of court dress that evolved from the Song dynasty through the Ming period, and was also worn by high-ranking figures in the Daoist pantheon.

Daoism flourished in the Ming dynasty under the Jiajing and Wanli Emperors, who were fervent supporters of Daoist practices promising the attainment of immortality. During the sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, numerous bronze figures of Daoist deities were cast under imperial patronage or commissioned by wealthy families.

A closely related figure was sold in our London rooms, 24th July 1973, lot 154; and one wearing a slightly different hat and holding a tablet, was sold in these rooms, 8th October 2006, lot 1158. See also a smaller example sold in our New York rooms, 28th February 1980, lot 5; one sold in our London rooms, 30th October 1987, lot 416; another sold at Christie’s London, 12th June 1989, lot 96; and one inscribed with a cyclical date corresponding to 1567, sold in our London rooms, 16th November 1971, lot 23.