This large bronze sculpture of Wenchang, the God of Literature, is notable for its impressive size and considerable weight. Bronze figures of this large size cast in one piece are rare as their manufacture presents a technical challenge and accomplishment. Despite its large size, it is finely cast with great attention to detail, such as the fine borders of the figure's robes skilfully decorated with floral hems and dragon motifs, which indicate his elevated position.
The figure may be identified as Wenchang Wang, also known as Wenchang dijun, the Daoist god of Culture and Literature, more commonly depicted holding a ruyi-sceptre but who is represented here holding a tablet. Most indicative of his important position in the Daoist canon is a motif on his head ornament resembling a crown which is decorated with a stylised three-peaked mountain and sun motif. Stephen Little suggests that such headdresses worn by these deities distinguished their places in the celestial hierarchy, see Stephen Little, Daoism and the Arts of China, The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, 2000, p. 248. A similar hat is also worn by a figure representing one of the Three Purities, carved in high relief at the eight cave-temples at Long Shan in Shanxi province and attributed to the fourteenth century, illustrated ibid., p. 27, fig. 9. Little further notes that the concept of the sacred peak as a numinous pivot connecting heaven and earth is fundamental to religious Daoism.
Daoism flourished in the Ming dynasty under the Jiajing and Wanli Emperors. During the 16th and early 17th centuries, numerous bronze figure of Daoist deities were cast under imperial patronage during the Ming dynasty. However, it is rare to find a figure of this size and quality. A gilt-bronze figure of Wenchang Wang of slightly smaller size was sold at Christie's New York, 3rd June 1993, lot 562. Compare also with a large lacquer-gilt bronze figure of Wenchang Wang, sold in our New York rooms, 27th March 2003, lot 15.
