A seated figure of Wen Chang

Yuan/early Ming dynasty, 13th/14th century
China

carbon 14 test result rcd-6264 confirms this dating

height: 23.2 cm

The god of the literati is depicted seated on a yoke back armchair that is covered by a tiger skin – its tail and back legs hanging over the back of the chair; the head and front paws are visible at the front of the foot stool, below the figure’s feet. Wen Chang is dressed in a full ankle length scholar’s robe with voluminous sleeves - his left hand supporting a belt mounted with plaques above the stomach, his right arm on the armrest. His head faces forward and is covered by the characteristic double domed stepped hat associated with the literati. This solid, heavy ivory carving has a dark and glowing patina that lightens to a golden tan on some of the exposed areas.

Wen Chang was one of the most popular gods in Ming and Qing Imperial China, and is portrayed as a scholar official. Originally a stellar correspondent to the scholars on earth (his name meaning ‘Literary Glory’) and the embodiment of Ursa Major (‘Great Bear’), he was widely worshipped by the literati – particularly by candidates in the Civil Service examinations – for symbolising the path to social acceptance and material rewards. He was also venerated for his powers of healing and exorcism – his cult ultimately achieving a national following.

similar example
‘Chinese Decorative Arts’, by Leidy, Siu & Watt, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1997 – page 40.