A 'DEHUA' 'WENCHANG' GROUPQING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD |

the God of Literature well modeled, depicted sitting on a tall rockwork plinth, the face with fine features pierced for the insertion of real hair at the mustache and beard, the head covered in a tall official's cap with a raised back and two long streamers, wearing a voluminous robe secured with an elaborate belt, flanked by an animated figure of Kuixing to one side and the official Zhuyi to the other, and with two further attendants below, a recumbent donkey resting at the deity's feet, coll. no. 1393 

Ralph M. Chait Galleries, New York, 2003.

There is restoration to two fingers of one figure, the tip of the brush, upper sash and where it joins the ingot of Guixing. Firing flaws and tears consistent with age and type.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Wenchang, the Daoist God of Literature, has been variously associated with figures from the Jin, Tang and Song Dynasties. He was believed to be the bearer of good luck for ill-prepared examination candidates. A closely related model featuring Wenchang and four attendants, sold at Christie's Amsterdam, 17th February 1975, lot 131, from the Paul Brandt Collection and is also illustrated in Maria Penkala, Magic Blanc de Chine, Amsterdam, 1980, pl. CXXXVI.