CELESTIAL GENERALS

Album of Daoist and Buddhist Themes: Procession of Daoist Deities: Leaf 4

Album of Daoist and Buddhist Themes: Procession of Daoist Deities: Leaf 4

Deity
Celestial Generals
Dynasty
Song Dynasty
Date / Period
1200s
Institution
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Collection
ASIAN – Album leaf
Medium / Material
album, ink on paper
Dimensions
Painting: 34.3 x 38.5 cm (13 1/2 x 15 3/16 in.); Overall: 39 x 41.4 cm (15 3/8 x 16 5/16 in.)
Accession Number
2004.1.4
Source
Album of Daoist and Buddhist Themes: Procession of Daoist Deities: Leaf 4. 1200s. album, ink on paper. The Cleveland Museum of Art. John L. Severance Fund in honor of Dr. Ju-hsi Chou and Gift of various donors to the department of Asian Art (by exchange). 2004.1.4

Description

Leaf 4 depicts one of the sanguan 三官大帝 (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. These figures all walk on clouds, moving along with a strong wind that causes the parasol and flags to flutter, creating a sense of overall motion.