Standing a staggering eight feet tall, this monumental 14th-century Chinese Buddhist painting was created to inspire reverence within a temple or sacred setting. Rendered in mineral pigments, ink, and gold leaf on silk, it depicts the compassionate Bodhisattva Kṣitigarbha (Dizang) seated upon an elaborate lotus throne, holding a traditional ringed monk’s staff and flanked by his two classic attendants, Min Gong and Daomu. A two-part vertical calligraphic donor colophon situated below the throne further enriches its historical and spiritual significance. Read from right to left, these inscriptions identify a grassroots neighborhood religious cooperative (Yishe) that pooled its local resources to fund the painting as a devotional offering to the Triple Gem, concluding with a precise reign date firmly anchoring the work to November 21, 1300 AD during the Yuan Dynasty. Traces of age, including softened pigments and a beautifully developed patina, speak to its long devotional history. Preserved within an elegant silk mounting and substantial frame, this extraordinary work embodies the profound artistry, symbolism, and spiritual heritage of the medieval Buddhist tradition
Translation:
Upper Register Inscription: “We, the residents and local people of this very home village and district, alongside the virtuous men of faith and pious lay disciples… Gai Xianzhan… Wang Junfa… Yang Zhengyou… Shu Youxin… Wu Shi… Lin Qingchuan, Weng… He… Cai Xiuzong, Liu Henghui, Wang Changyuan…”
Lower Register Inscription: “…and others from the local countryside and districts, who broadly and universally [pooled their resources]… including He Laoshan, Zhong Chaoman, and members of the Tian family… Disciples Cai Shuhua, Ci Shutian, Geng… Wang Zhengyi, Xu Ziguang, Sanya You… Ge Xiang, Xian… All the individuals listed above have humbly stepped forward to lead this project, funding the painting, decoration, and mounting of this image. This is done out of deep devotion to the auspicious Triple Gem [The Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha], to fulfill our long-held spiritual vows, and to pray for blessings and good fortune for each person. We humbly rely on [the Bodhisattva] to accept these prayers and virtues (Recorded on the 10th day of the 10th lunar month, in the 4th year of the Dade era) [November 21, 1300 AD]”
Clayton Korver’s collection of Chinese ancestral paintings grew over years of visiting antique shops throughout China, where he would sometimes encounter several remarkable examples at once. These paintings were created to preserve the likeness and memory of family members across generations, giving each one a deeply personal connection to Chinese history and tradition. For years, Clayton and Deb simply appreciated the collection for its beauty before taking a closer look at its significance. Each painting requires careful handling and thoughtful presentation, and this collection has been professionally mounted with specialized support to prevent sagging and protect the historic surfaces. Together, they offer a beautiful glimpse into the traditions of family, remembrance, and Chinese artistry.
$300,000.00
| Dimensions | 32 × 2 × 96 in |
|---|---|
| Country | China |
| Age | 736 years |
