A magnificent bronze of Xi-Wang-Mu, inlaid and gilt

Qing dynasty, 18th century
Height: 12 in (30.4 cm)
Width: 6 5/8 in (16.8 cm)

A superbly cast bronze figure of the Queen Mother of the West, sitting in regal splendor on an elaborate throne among clouds, wearing a royal crown and a ruyi scepter in one hand; the face and other details gleam with gold leaf, and probably silver leaf applied to highlight other details.

Xi-wang-mu was said to dwell in the Kunlun Mountains, in a magnificent palace and a garden that grew the peach tree of immortality. Her power to grant immortality is signified by the shou symbol on the back of her throne. There are many legends regarding her origin and attributes, some with very dark connotations. She is often depicted as flying on a phoenix over the congregation of immortals at her palace.

For further reading on Xi-wang-mu, see Wolfram Eberhard, A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols, English Edition (New York: 1988), pp. 319-320 and C.A.S. Williams, Chinese Symbolism and Art Motifs (Japan: 1988), pp. 226-228.

Published: Asiantiques, Chinese Works of Art (2009), cat. no. 101

Ref. 859470

SOLD