One of the Twelve Celestial Guardians

Unknown

Created:
Movement:
1399
None
key Notes:
Buddhist iconography, Ming dynasty artistry
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Dimensions:
39 x 16 in. (99.1 x 40.6 cm)
medium:
Hanging scroll (from a set of twelve) mounted as framed panel; ink, color, and gold on silk
Difficulty:
Expert
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story of the work:

We have not been able to find much information about this work, or we believe the information we sourced needed more review.

One of the Twelve Celestial Guardians

One of the Twelve Celestial Guardians is a significant work from 1399, created by an unknown artist. This painting is part of a set of twelve, executed on a hanging scroll and later mounted as a framed panel. The use of ink, color, and gold on silk exemplifies the luxurious materials and intricate techniques characteristic of the period. The artwork reflects the religious and cultural importance of celestial guardians in East Asian art, serving both protective and spiritual roles. Although the artist's identity remains unknown, the piece is a testament to the high level of craftsmanship and artistic sophistication of the time. Its historical impact lies in its representation of religious iconography and its contribution to the understanding of late 14th-century artistic practices.

Description of the work:

The painting "One of the Twelve Celestial Guardians," created in 1399 by an unknown artist, is a hanging scroll mounted as a framed panel, utilizing ink, color, and gold on silk to depict one of the protective deities from a set of twelve. This work exemplifies the intricate and vibrant style characteristic of late 14th-century East Asian religious art, emphasizing the spiritual guardianship theme prevalent in Buddhist iconography.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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One of the Twelve Celestial Guardians