A LATE MING IVORY CARVING OF AN IMMORTAL

CIRCA 1600

Details

A LATE MING IVORY CARVING OF AN IMMORTAL
circa 1600
The bearded gentleman clad in a formal robe, his left hand holding his waist band before his chest, the highly polished surface of a rich tone varying from light honey to chocolate, losses to head
8¼in. (21cm.) high

Exhibited

London, The British Museum, jointly with the O.C.S., Chinese Ivories from the Shang to the Qing, 1984, Catalogue, no.106.

Lot Essay

This figure possibly depicts Wen Chang, the God of Literature, who together with Guandi was frequently carved in ivory. However, unlike the latter, Wen Chang is more difficult to identify since he is not characterized by carrying any personal attributes. For a discussion on these two patron gods, see the above-mentioned British Museum and O.C.S. 1984 Exhibition Catalogue, p.97 and pp.98, 99, 104 and 105, nos. 103-106, and 114-116 for other figures of Wen Chang included in the Exhibition.

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