Daoist Deity Zhenwu

China

Not on view

The Daoist god known as Zhenwu is the personification of the ancient symbol of the north, an entwined tortoise and snake. In the eleventh century, this powerful symbol was given a human form by the Song emperors, who erected temples to worship the deity. Zhenwu became particularly popular during the Ming dynasty, when he was revered as a protector of the empire and the imperial family.

This version employs the two-color decoration scheme of Cizhou ceramics to create a visually striking robe for Zhenwu. It was created for personal veneration on a home altar.

Daoist Deity Zhenwu, Stoneware with overglaze enamel decoration (Cizhou ware), China

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