Minneapolis Institute of Art
Deity of literature
China
- Date
- c. 1700
- Medium
- Porcelain
- Department
- European Art
- Institution
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
This white-glazed Dehua figure group portrays an elegant official—possibly Wenchang, deity of literature—surrounded by attendants, with a finely modeled horse resting below. The presence of the horse may allude to the auspicious phrase madao chenggong (“success upon mounting the horse”), expressing hopes for swift advancement in civil service examinations or official life. Dehua’s creamy porcelain and refined carving made such devotional and auspicious images especially cherished by scholars seeking both protection and literary success. China, Asia
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