A Massive Carved Wood Figure Of Guandi. Qing Dynasty, Kangxi Period

carved seated, wearing full armour of chain mail beneath a monster-mask belt, flowing robes and a billowing scarf, his fierce face framed by an official cap, traces of polychrome and gilt decoration. 121cm., 47 5/8 in. Estimate 12,000—18,000 GBP

NOTE: The present figure is notable for its impressive size and rigorously detailed armour, which capture the strength and dynamism of Guandi, the God of War. Although rendered with a stern expression and powerful seated pose, the graceful and naturalistic execution suggests a continuation of the Song tradition. See a related figure attributed to the Ming-Qing period in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, illustrated in Rose Kerr (ed.), Chinese Art and Design, London, 1991, pl. 26; two examples of smaller size sold in our New York rooms, 22^nd March 1995, lot 187, and the other, 28^th September 1979, lot 195; and a slightly earlier example sold in our New York rooms, 4^th December 1984, lot 118. Compare also a bronze version dated to 1564, illustrated in Rene-Yvon Lefebvre d'Argence, Chinese, Korean and Japanese Sculpture in the Avery Brundage Collection, San Francisco, 1974, pl. 169.

Guandi is based on a the famous warrior, Guan Yu (c. AD 161-220), whose life was popularised in several works in which myth and history intertwine, such as Romance of the Three Kingdoms (San guo zhi yan yi) dating to the 14^th century. During the Song period he was ennobled first as a Faithful and Loyal Duke in 1120 and then elevated to Magnificent Prince and Pacifier in 1127, before being made an honorary emperor by the Wanli emperor in 1594 and thereafter known by the title Guandi (Emperor Guan), the Faithful and Loyal Great God, Supporter of Heaven and Protector of the Kingdom. Guandi became one of the most popular figures of worship in China during the Ming dynasty, and was placed in homes as well as temples as a protector.

Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. 05 Nov 08. London. Photo courtesy Sotheby's. www.sothebys.com