MING DYNASTY (1368-1644)

Details

A RARE LARGE POLYCHROME FRESCO
MING DYNASTY (1368-1644)
The fresco fragment is painted with a female warrior wearing long flowing robes standing in a fierce pose, with left arm raised and right hand holding a sword, standing beside two female attendants, all standing amidst clouds, with details picked out in raised gesso.
57 x 39 in. (144.8 x 99 cm.), lacquered softwood frame

Provenance

Acquired in Japan prior to the 1940s.

Special notice

This lot is offered without reserve.

Lot Essay

The style of painting on this fresco recalls that of the mid-eighth century temple painting style. Largely ignored by the court and literati circles, this 'flowing water and scudding clouds' (xingyun liushui) manner, reminiscent of the Tang dynasty painter Wu Daozi, was ideal for painting religious figures. Unlike earlier modes stressing precise contours, the whirling spiritual energy of this brushwork gives the impression of qi, or inner life. This animated style has been popular with builders and decorators of Buddhist temples ever since.

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