Numinous Treasure Emissaries, 16th century
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Ink, colors and gold on silkexpand_more
The Ruth Ann Dayton Chinese Room Endowment Fundexpand_more 2004.131.2
Not on Viewexpand_more
This colorful painting bears an inscription in a red cartouche in the upper left identifying the two persons depicted as "numinous treasure emissaries who transmit speech, riding on a tiger and dragon." Numinous treasures refers to Daoist scriptures, the blue books being carried down from heaven by attendants of the two emissaries who themselves are carried on a tiger and dragon.
The tiger and dragon represent the creative forces of the universe to Daoists. They are also potent emblems of the balance of power that Daoists believed permeated all existence.
Details
- Title
- Numinous Treasure Emissaries
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2004.131.2
- Curator Approved
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