Seated Figure of Yuanshi Tianzun (Translation)
陳彥清造銅鎏金元始天尊坐像 明十五世紀初 (Primary Title)

Chen Yanqing 陳彥清, Chinese, active early 15th century (Artist)

early 15th century
Chinese
Gilt bronze (gilt brass)
Asia,China
8.3/8 x 4.6 x 2.6 in. (21.2 x 11.68 x 6.6 cm) (H x W x D)
2022.24

Yuanshi Tianzun, or Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, is the most significant deity in the Daoist cosmos. Cast hollow, this deity wears a crown and Daoist robe while sitting cross-legged behind a half table. His proportional form, symmetrical posture, and graceful expression reveal his supremacy and compassion. The figure is signed by Chen Yanqing, a Daoist devotee and a renowned sculptor from modern-day Hangzhou in southern China. Gilt bronze figures were used for worship at local temples or personal devotion at home shrines.

Ming dynasty (1368-1644)
陳彥清造 Chen Yanqing zao (made by Chen Yanqing)
None
錢塘陳彥清造 (made by Chen Yanqing from Qiantang).
Arthur and Margaret Glasgow Endowment

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