Lot 1633
1633
A GILT-LACQUERED BRONZE FIGURE OF WENCHANG
THE PROPERTY OF A GENTLEMAN 
A GILT-LACQUERED BRONZE FIGURE OF WENCHANG

MING DYNASTY (1368-1644)

Details
A GILT-LACQUERED BRONZE FIGURE OF WENCHANG
MING DYNASTY (1368-1644)
Shown seated on a rocky precipice beside a jagged outcrop supporting a book and rolled scroll, the figure dressed in long robes incised with a dragon chasing a pearl above rockwork and crashing waves and secured by two belts above and below the waist, his face with intent gaze and long beard, his tall scholar's hat with long tabs that trail onto his shoulders, remnants of gilt lacquer
14 in. (35.6 cm.) high
Provenance
Acquired in Beijing in the 1960s.

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Lot Essay

This figure is portrayed as an official, with an upright book and scroll to his left. These attributes point to the likelihood of the figure being Wenchang, the deity of literature and scholarly endeavors. Wenchang is venerated by scholars, writers and those in literary professions, but most often by those taking examinations.

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