17th Oct, 2024 11:00
TWO-DAY AUCTION: Fine Asian Art, Buddhism and Hinduism
147
A LARGE AND IMPOSING SANCAI FIGURE OF THE DAOIST GUARDIAN WANG LINGGUAN, LATE MING DYNASTY
Sold for €8,450
including Buyer's Premium
Scientific Analysis Report: A thermoluminescence analysis report issued by Oxford Authentication on 19 July 2024, based on sample number C124f94, sets the firing date of both samples taken between 350 and 500 years ago, consistent with the dating above. A copy of the report accompanies this lot.
China, 16th-17th century. Powerfully modeled in a dynamic pose with his raised left leg resting on a rocky base, the wrathful guardian holding a demon by the hair with the other hand raised in a fist above his head as if about to strike, the mouth agape revealing teeth, the bearded face with bulging eyes and thick bushy brows. The deity is wearing an elaborate dragon headdress and an ornate suit of armor with a celestial scarf billowing above his shoulders and trailing down the sides. The figure supported on a rock, and covered in meticulously balanced emerald-green, amber, and brownish-black glazes.
Provenance: From the private collection of John Victor Cassara, New York, United States. The back with an old label inscribed ‘65000’, which may be indicative of an original purchase price of USD 65,000. John Cassara (1934-2022) was the CEO of the Brownstone Agency in Park Slope, Brooklyn. His collection included fine Murano glass, important French furniture, and rare Chinese antiques.
Condition: Overall good condition, commensurate with age and use. Expected wear, signs of weathering and erosion, obvious losses, nicks, encrustations, chips, flaking, and firing flaws. Some losses, old repairs, minor touchups. Tiny drilled holes from sample-taking.
Weight: 23.4 kg (incl. base)
Dimensions: Height 67 cm (excl. base), 72 cm (incl. base)
Mounted to a modern acrylic base. (2)
Such large-scale ceramic sculptures are rare survivors from what would once have been a common sight in temples throughout China. This magnificent guardian figure can be identified as the Daoist God Wang Lingguan, who is revered as the Protector of the Daoist Temple. With his armor and whip, he possesses the ability to fight off evil spirits.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s London, 6 November 2012, lot 106
Price: GBP 115,250 or approx. EUR 217,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A rare large gilt-bronze figure of the Daoist guardian figure Wang Lingguan, late Ming dynasty, 16th/17th century
Expert remark: This figure and the present sculpture not only depict the same deity, but also originate from the same period. The figure here has lost the castigated demon, whereas the present lot is lacking its weapon, a sword or whip. Compare the closely related pose, armor, dragon motifs, wrathful expression, and size (67.5 cm).
Scientific Analysis Report: A thermoluminescence analysis report issued by Oxford Authentication on 19 July 2024, based on sample number C124f94, sets the firing date of both samples taken between 350 and 500 years ago, consistent with the dating above. A copy of the report accompanies this lot.
China, 16th-17th century. Powerfully modeled in a dynamic pose with his raised left leg resting on a rocky base, the wrathful guardian holding a demon by the hair with the other hand raised in a fist above his head as if about to strike, the mouth agape revealing teeth, the bearded face with bulging eyes and thick bushy brows. The deity is wearing an elaborate dragon headdress and an ornate suit of armor with a celestial scarf billowing above his shoulders and trailing down the sides. The figure supported on a rock, and covered in meticulously balanced emerald-green, amber, and brownish-black glazes.
Provenance: From the private collection of John Victor Cassara, New York, United States. The back with an old label inscribed ‘65000’, which may be indicative of an original purchase price of USD 65,000. John Cassara (1934-2022) was the CEO of the Brownstone Agency in Park Slope, Brooklyn. His collection included fine Murano glass, important French furniture, and rare Chinese antiques.
Condition: Overall good condition, commensurate with age and use. Expected wear, signs of weathering and erosion, obvious losses, nicks, encrustations, chips, flaking, and firing flaws. Some losses, old repairs, minor touchups. Tiny drilled holes from sample-taking.
Weight: 23.4 kg (incl. base)
Dimensions: Height 67 cm (excl. base), 72 cm (incl. base)
Mounted to a modern acrylic base. (2)
Such large-scale ceramic sculptures are rare survivors from what would once have been a common sight in temples throughout China. This magnificent guardian figure can be identified as the Daoist God Wang Lingguan, who is revered as the Protector of the Daoist Temple. With his armor and whip, he possesses the ability to fight off evil spirits.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s London, 6 November 2012, lot 106
Price: GBP 115,250 or approx. EUR 217,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A rare large gilt-bronze figure of the Daoist guardian figure Wang Lingguan, late Ming dynasty, 16th/17th century
Expert remark: This figure and the present sculpture not only depict the same deity, but also originate from the same period. The figure here has lost the castigated demon, whereas the present lot is lacking its weapon, a sword or whip. Compare the closely related pose, armor, dragon motifs, wrathful expression, and size (67.5 cm).
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