The Heavenly Official Bestows Happiness
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.Surrounding this heavenly official’s elaborate headdress are five red bats, a rebus for the “five great fortunes”: longevity, wealth, health, love of virtue, and a peaceful death.
Prints made at Yangliuqing are noted for their elegant refinement, exemplified by the meticulous drawing and subtle coloring of this work. The deep gray shade of the insides of the long sleeves was painted by hand.
Prints made at Yangliuqing are noted for their elegant refinement, exemplified by the meticulous drawing and subtle coloring of this work. The deep gray shade of the insides of the long sleeves was painted by hand.
Artwork Details
- Tianguan cifu
- Title: The Heavenly Official Bestows Happiness
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
- Date: late 19th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Woodblock print; ink and color on paper with additional hand coloring
- Dimensions: Image: 19 1/2 x 11 in. (49.6 x 27.9 cm)
Overall: 26 7/8 x 19 15/16 in. (68.2 x 50.6 cm) - Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: On loan from the British Museum- donated by Mrs R. E. A. Hughes-Jones
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art