A BRONZE FIGURE OF WENCHANG Ming Dynasty (2)A BRONZE FIGURE OF WENCHANGMing DynastyThe God of Literature crisply cast seated with a serene expression, holding a scroll in his left hand over a rotund belly incised with ruyi-clouds, with the right arm rested on the knee, the sleeves and hem draped in luxuriant folds, carefully crafted to emphasise the dignity and cultivation of the deity, traces of gilt-lacquer, wood stand. 22cm (8 1/2in) high. (2).Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價明 銅文昌帝君坐像Published, Illustrated and Exhibited: Michael Goedhuis, Chinese and Japanese Bronzes A.D.1100-1900, London, 1988, no.3.展覽著錄：Michael Goedhuis著，《Chinese and Japanese Bronzes A.D.1100-1900》，倫敦，1988年，編號3The present figure of Wenchang, the God of Literature, is a fine example of the level of refinement employed by the artists who worked for the educated class of scholars and officials. Originally gilt lacquered over bronze, it now has a warm bronze patina and only traces of the original gilding and colour pigments remain. Depictions of the God of Literature are also found in other materials, particularly as Dehua porcelains. See for example, a related blanc de Chine figure of Wenchang, He Chaozong mark, 17th century, illustrated by P.J.Donnelly, Blanc De Chine, London, 1969, pl.145D.Compare also with a related gilt-lacquered bronze figure of Wenchang, 17th century, which was sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 2 June 2015, lot 712.