Period:Ming dynasty Production date:1522-1620 (circa)
Materials:stoneware
Technique:slipped, painted, glazed,
Dimensions:Height: 20.80 centimetres
Description:
Cizhou-type stoneware figure of Zhenwu, slipped, and painted in iron brown. This Cizhou-type stoneware figure represents Zhenwu [Perfected Warrior], identified by the symbol of the north – a snake wrapped around a tortoise – beneath his right boot. As here, he is generally depicted in military clothes with boots, armour and a winged cape, with long straight hair, a thin moustache and beard. He is shown in the prime of life and strength, seated on a rock. The hollow figure is mould-made and somewhat flattened viewed from the side. It is all covered with cream slip except the back of the base and is painted in shades of iron brown beneath a transparent glaze.
IMG
![图片[1]-figure BM-Franks.2441-China Archive](https://chinaarchive.net/Ming dynasty/Ceramics/mid_00355365_001.jpg)
![图片[2]-figure BM-Franks.2441-China Archive](https://chinaarchive.net/Ming dynasty/Ceramics/mid_RRC1482.jpg)
Comments:Harrison-Hall 2001:Zhenwu is also known as ‘Beiji yousheng zhenjun’ [The perfected ruler of the north star who assists the sage ruler]. He was the patron god and guardian of the Ming dynasty. Both the Hongwu and Yongle emperors credited their achievements in battle and their attainment of power to this god. Consequently he was ranked highest in the pantheon of popular gods in the Ming period. It was believed that Zhenwu could save men from natural disasters, grant sons, prolong lives and protect merchants from calamities. He is associated with the northern direction and is also worshipped for his demon-slaying abilities. For more information on Zhenwu see McDermott 1999, pp. 342-7, and Little 2000, pp. 291-311.
Materials:stoneware
Technique:slipped, painted, glazed,
Dimensions:Height: 20.80 centimetres
Description:
Cizhou-type stoneware figure of Zhenwu, slipped, and painted in iron brown. This Cizhou-type stoneware figure represents Zhenwu [Perfected Warrior], identified by the symbol of the north – a snake wrapped around a tortoise – beneath his right boot. As here, he is generally depicted in military clothes with boots, armour and a winged cape, with long straight hair, a thin moustache and beard. He is shown in the prime of life and strength, seated on a rock. The hollow figure is mould-made and somewhat flattened viewed from the side. It is all covered with cream slip except the back of the base and is painted in shades of iron brown beneath a transparent glaze.
IMG
Comments:Harrison-Hall 2001:Zhenwu is also known as ‘Beiji yousheng zhenjun’ [The perfected ruler of the north star who assists the sage ruler]. He was the patron god and guardian of the Ming dynasty. Both the Hongwu and Yongle emperors credited their achievements in battle and their attainment of power to this god. Consequently he was ranked highest in the pantheon of popular gods in the Ming period. It was believed that Zhenwu could save men from natural disasters, grant sons, prolong lives and protect merchants from calamities. He is associated with the northern direction and is also worshipped for his demon-slaying abilities. For more information on Zhenwu see McDermott 1999, pp. 342-7, and Little 2000, pp. 291-311.
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![[Qing Dynasty] British female painter—Elizabeth Keith, using woodblock prints to record China from the late Qing Dynasty to the early Republic of China—1915-China Archive](https://chinaarchive.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/image-191x300.png)
