Yao people
(China)
- Title
- Ceremonial painting - Shengzhu (Master of the Saints)
- Other titles:
- Nyut Hung
- Place of origin
-
Yunnan Province →
China
- Cultural origin
- Mian
- Year
- circa 1850s
- Media category
- Painting
- Materials used
- pigment on paper
- Dimensions
-
121.5 x 50.7cm
- Credit
- Gift of Dr John Yu and Dr George Soutter 2006
- Accession number
- 275.2006
- Location
- Not on display
- Further information
Shengzhu is the alter ego of Yu Huang (the Jade Emperor). Yu Huang was the supreme deity of the universe. Yu Huang came to prominence during the Tang dynasty when Daoism absorbed some Indian Buddhist concepts into its beliefs. Both Shengzhu and Yu Huang wear an imperial cap and hold a gui ceremonial tablet, while they are distinguished by the colour of their robes - the former always wears yellow, the latter green. It is believed Yu Huang appointed Shengzhu the 'Heavenly Worthy and Perfect Lord'.
Reference: Jacques Lemoine, 'Yao Ceremonial Paintings'. 1982.
Asian Art Department, AGNSW, 2007.
