Page 125 - Bonhams London May 13th aqnd 14th 2019 Chinese Art

329
A BRONZE FIGURE OF WENCHANG
Late Ming Dynasty
The seated figure wearing a hat and
elaborate robes with voluminous sleeves
cascading down over the legs, and a wide
low belt, incised with dragons chasing
flaming pearls, incised signature to the
reverse xue mingyang zhi, pierced rootwood
stand.
21cm (8 1/4in) high (2).
£10,000 - 15,000
HK$100,000 - 160,000
CNY88,000 - 130,000
Wenchang, who was believed to have power
over the destinies of scholars and officials,
was one of the most popular gods in China
during the Ming and Qing dynasties. He
was venerated above all by those in need
of help with examinations, particularly the
official exams for the jinshi degree which was
the essential requirement for a career in the
Chinese official bureaucracy.

The origin stories of Wenchang are diverse;
one tale names him as the war hero Zhang
Yazi who died during the rebellion against
Emperor Fu Jian in 374. Another story from
the Book of Emperor Zi Tong paints him as a
filial child: “Wenchang had a mature mind at
birth. His mother breastfed him even though
she was perilously ill and malnourished. In
the middle of the night, Wenchang cut flesh
from his own thighs and fed it to his mother.
She was then cured of her illness.”

329

For details of the charges payable in addition to the final Hammer Price of each Lot
please refer to paragraphs 7 & 8 of the Notice to Bidders at the back of the catalogue. ASIAN ART - PART I | 123