seated man wearing a green robe with yellow trim, white belt, and turquoise colored necklace, with a cap of curving design tied under his chin; man has his PL hand on his knee and his PR hand held palm out with his thumb touching his second finger; man seated on a raised green and yellow platform; lower portion of platform is separate ceramic piece

Figure of the Daoist Deity Tianzun, 16th-17th century

Unknown artist, expand_more

This Daoist deity is an example of the sancai, or three-color, technique, in which a combination of three glazes of different colors—typically brown, green, and creamy white—was used by Chinese potters to decorate ceramic figures. This figure’s dignified clothing and commanding front-facing pose, indicate it is likely Tianzun. Tianzun is one of three Daoist deities, the supreme rulers of the Daoist pantheon. The figure was intended to inspire devotion and obedience when viewed in a temple or shrine.

Details
Title
Figure of the Daoist Deity Tianzun
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2019.9a,b
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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seated man wearing a green robe with yellow trim, white belt, and turquoise colored necklace, with a cap of curving design tied under his chin; man has his PL hand on his knee and his PR hand held palm out with his thumb touching his second finger; man seated on a raised green and yellow platform; lower portion of platform is separate ceramic piece