Album of Daoist and Buddhist Themes: Procession of Daoist Deities: Leaf 4
Unknown Artist
1200s
Medium
album, ink on paper
Dimensions
39 × 41.4 cm · sheet: 34.3 × 38.4 cm
Classification
Painting
Department
Chinese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
John L. Severance Fund in honor of Dr. Ju-hsi Chou and Gift of various donors to the department of Asian Art (by exchange)
Accession Number
2004.1.4
About this artwork
Leaf 4 depicts one of the sanguan (Three Officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water) in the Daoist pantheon. These "officials" work as intermediaries between human beings and the bureaucracy of the netherworld. This deity, riding on a lively steed, most likely represents the "Official of Earth" 地官. Leading the way, his entourage includes a host of protective guards who carry his sword and chair, hoist his parasol and flags, or simply hold their own weapons. Trailing behind is a demonic figure carryin...