Artwork Page for Album of Daoist and Buddhist Themes: Kings of Hells: Leaf 33

Details / Information for Album of Daoist and Buddhist Themes: Kings of Hells: Leaf 33

Series Title: 佛道主題畫冊

Album of Daoist and Buddhist Themes: Kings of Hells: Leaf 33

1200s

China, Southern Song dynasty

(1127-1279)
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Medium
Album, ink on paper
Measurements
Painting: 34.1 x 38.3 cm (13 7/16 x 15 1/16 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) 2004.1.33
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 horizontally oriented ink drawing on tan paper depicts a courtly scene above and a supernatural scene below. At the top left, a seated official on a throne holds a tablet, flanked by attendants and an armored warrior. To the right, three figures work at a desk. The lower half features horned demons and kneeling figures amidst swirling clouds, while three robed figures stand in the bottom right.

Album of Daoist and Buddhist Themes: Kings of Hells: Leaf 33

1200s

China, Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279)

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