A Bearer of Good Wishes: Fragment of a Taoist Wall Painting
ca. 1600-1644
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE)
80 1/8 x 36 7/8 in. (203.5 x 93.7 cm)
Chinese artist
China
Object Type:
Painting
Medium and Support:
Ink and natural mineral and plant pigments on a prepared clay wall
Credit Line:
Gift of Anthony A. Bliss
Accession Number:
1986.117
Location: Currently on view
Large religious scenes often decorated the walls of Chinese temples, monasteries, and shrines. This woman is from such a scene; a companion’s cut-off sleeve and hem can be seen at the lower left. The only other clue to her identity is her distinctively shaped staff. It is called a ju-i, which means “fulfilling one’s wishes.” Used by Chinese scholars as a lecturing pointer in the 4th-6th centuries, the ju-i was said in one humorous ancient commentary to have taken its shape from back-scratchers and its name from the satisfaction of relieving the itch! By the time of this painting, however, the staff had become purely symbolic, representing longevity and well-wishing.
[Excerpt from gallery label text, 1999]