New photography by Shannon Ruff captured with a digital camera-2006.

Wenchang, Taoist God of Literature, Surrounded by Attendants

Artist Unknown

CultureChinese | Qing Dynasty

Datelate 18th - early 19th century

MediumDehua ware: molded porcelain with ivory hued glaze | Human hair details

DimensionsOverall: 7 1/8 in. (18.1 cm)

Credit LineGift of Dr. James C. Perry in Memory of Nancy Nash Perry

Object number36.8.146

Collections

Asian Art

On View

Chrysler Museum of Art, Gallery 106

DescriptionFigure group depicting the Taoist God of literature and attendants. Dignitary sits on low object at a tall, narrow table; his left elbow rests on it, his right arm is uplifted as in discourse. A tablet, inkstone, brush and brushrest are on the table. A short attendant stands to the left of the table and a small male figure sits hunched over on the dignitary's right. Bottom is flat, smooth, unglazed and the largest figure is hollow. The two attendants depicted are T'ien-Lung (Deaf Celestial) and Ti-Ya (Earthly Mute).

Published References_Oriental Ceramics_, Vol. 5, British Museum; Koyama, Pope, 1974, Kodansha, Fig. 218; Donnelly, P.J., _Blanc de Chine_, Faber and Faber, 1969.