Lot Essay
The character Guandi or Guanyu, popularised by the 14th century Chinese classical novel, San guo zhi yan yi, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, underwent much transformation in Chinese history from a great warrior, honorary Emperor, to being deified as a God of war, as well as patron to merchants and scholars. For a further discussion on Guan Di, cf. Larson and Kerr, Orientations, A Hero Restored: the Conservation of Guan Di, July 1991, pp. 28-34.
A related figure from the Victoria and Albert Museum in Dehua ware bearing the potter's mark, He Zhaozhong, dated to the first half of 17th century is illustrated, ibid, fig. 3. The Dehua figure is similarly modelled seated with hands concealed under his garment and wearing the same type of headdress closely resembling the present lot. Characteristic similarities in the cloth cap and facial features probably originated from popular Court paintings, for example, the large hanging scroll, 'Guan Yu Captures an Enemy General' by the early 15th century painter, Shang Xi; illustrated by Clunas, Art in China, p. 70, fig. 32, where the author mentioned Guan Yu was the subject of a religious cult actively supported by the Ming court.
(US$45,000-50,000)
A related figure from the Victoria and Albert Museum in Dehua ware bearing the potter's mark, He Zhaozhong, dated to the first half of 17th century is illustrated, ibid, fig. 3. The Dehua figure is similarly modelled seated with hands concealed under his garment and wearing the same type of headdress closely resembling the present lot. Characteristic similarities in the cloth cap and facial features probably originated from popular Court paintings, for example, the large hanging scroll, 'Guan Yu Captures an Enemy General' by the early 15th century painter, Shang Xi; illustrated by Clunas, Art in China, p. 70, fig. 32, where the author mentioned Guan Yu was the subject of a religious cult actively supported by the Ming court.
(US$45,000-50,000)