Artwork Page for Album of Daoist and Buddhist Themes: Kings of Hells: Leaf 37

Details / Information for Album of Daoist and Buddhist Themes: Kings of Hells: Leaf 37

Series Title: 佛道主題畫冊

Album of Daoist and Buddhist Themes: Kings of Hells: Leaf 37

1200s

China, Southern Song dynasty

(1127-1279)
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Medium
Album, ink on paper
Measurements
Painting: 34.1 x 38.4 cm (13 7/16 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) 2004.1.37
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.
An ink drawing on aged tan paper depicts a multi-leveled palace scene. Upper center, a figure kneels before an official at a desk. To the right, stairs lead to balconies with standing groups. Figures in the foreground emerge from swirling clouds. The paper shows extensive wear with creasing and dark spots, including large reddish-brown stains along the bottom edge. Fine line work remains visible despite the faded and worn surface.

Album of Daoist and Buddhist Themes: Kings of Hells: Leaf 37

1200s

China, Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279)

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