Page 41 - Chinese Decorative Arts: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, v. 55, no. 1 (Summer, 1997)

Patron Literature,
Deity of
Wen
chang
...................................................................................
late
Ming dynasty, 16th-mid-17th century
Ivory
H. 5 7/8 in. (14.9 cm)
H.
Bequest ofRosina Hoppin, 1965,
Alfred W Hoyt Collection
65.86.125

he Chinese began to produce ivory
figures of various types during the late
sixteenth century in the city of Zhangzhou,
Fujian Province, on the eastern seaboard, and
continued to manufacture them throughout
southeastern China until the early twentieth
century. During the late Ming dynasty
Zhangzhou was relatively free from the gov-
ernment constraints on enterprise and foreign
exchange that affected other centers and had
close ties to the Philippines, which had been
conquered by the Spanish. The Spaniards, Chinese ivory figures depict primarily from a long-standing interest in astronomy
and other Europeans with bases in Asia, divinities-those associated with Buddhism and astrology and is believed to be the embod-
brought with them a need for ivory religious and Daoism as well as auspicious beings iment of Ursa Major (Great Bear). This con-
figures in a somewhat Gothic style to decorate affiliated with official and popular cults. This stellation was thought to parallel in the
their churches and for their personal devotions. dome-headed, bearded man, who wears the heavens the role of scholar-officials on earth,
It has been suggested that the opportunity pre- robes of a Ming scholar, represents Wen and its position was tracked for clues to guide
sented to Chinese craftsmen in the late six- Chang, or "Literary Glory." Revered for his the activities and fortunes of that class. Wen
teenth century-to create Christian icons such ability to assure success in the civil-service Chang is often paired with Guandi, the deified
as the Virgin and Child for European patrons examinations that led to powerful bureaucratic Han-dynasty general who is revered as the
of
-provided the impetus for the development careers and material rewards, Wen Chang was patron military enterprises and merchants.
of a native tradition of ivory figure carving often a part of official Qing sacrifices. He is DPL
during this period. one of a group of Chinese gods who evolved
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