Artwork Page for Album of Daoist and Buddhist Themes: Kings of Hells: Leaf 30

Details / Information for Album of Daoist and Buddhist Themes: Kings of Hells: Leaf 30

Series Title: 佛道主題畫冊

Album of Daoist and Buddhist Themes: Kings of Hells: Leaf 30

1200s

China, Southern Song dynasty

(1127-1279)
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Medium
Album, ink on paper
Measurements
Painting: 34.3 x 38.4 cm (13 1/2 x 15 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund in honor of Dr. Ju-hsi Chou and Gift of various donors to the department of Asian Art (by exchange) 2004.1.30
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

This extraordinary album has 50 paintings on a variety of religious subjects. They were likely created by several master craftsmen to share with studio apprentices as models for fulfilling commissions. The Jade Emperor and the Daoist pantheon make up the first 26 leaves. The next 14 leaves portray the Buddhist Ten Kings of Hell administering punishments to the dead. The third section, called “Clearing the Mountains,” features divine soldiers, led presumably by the deity Erlang Shen 二郎神, fighting undesirable creatures.
A square composition ink drawing on worn paper with red seals depicts figures with light skin tones. An official in robes sits behind a large draped desk, looking toward a kneeling figure. To the left, armored soldiers stand behind an official writing at a table. To the right, robed figures gather near animal-like creatures. Swirling clouds frame the top, while a patterned rug sits in the foreground, rendered in fine ink outlines.

Album of Daoist and Buddhist Themes: Kings of Hells: Leaf 30

1200s

China, Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279)

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