Xuantian Shangdi (Zhenwu), god of the North

DateMing Dynasty, early 15th century

MediumInk and colors on silk

Dimensions51 15/16 x 38 9/16 inches (132 x 98 cm)

CultureChina

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LineGeorge and Mary Rockwell Collection

Terms

Paintings
Chinese
Ink
Colors
Animals
Armor
Banners
Brushes
Cats
Clouds
Costume
Daoism
Earrings
Eyes
Flags
Gods
Halberds
Haloes
Hats
Heaven
Mythological creatures
Jewelry
Kings
Lances
Mallets
Marshal Guan (Guan Yu)
Marshal Ma (Ma yuanshuai)
Marshal Wen (Wen yuanshuai)
Marshal Zhao (Zhao yuanshuai)
Military standards
Pantheon
Plant-derived motifs
Religion
Reptiles
Robes
Rulers
Scarves
Scrolls (motifs)
Serpents
Snakes
Spears
Swords
Taoism
Tassels
Tigers
Warriors
Weapons
Wings
Writing tools
Xuantian Shangdi
Zhenwu
Thrones
Silk

Object number2000.003

Label CopyThis monumental painting depicts the Daoist deity Zhenwu (Perfected Warrior) as Xuantian Shangdi, Supreme Emperor of Dark Heaven. Seated on a rock throne in the clouds surrounded by attendants and an entourage of divine marshals, he presides over the northern quadrant and is considered the force behind the moving energy of the universe. Zhenwu is also the divine founder of Taijiquan, the Chinese martial art. Zhenwu became the most important Daoist deity in the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Ming emperors credited him with bringing them to power and regarded him as supreme protector of the state in the areas of political administration, military success, climate control, cure of diseases, and prevention of disasters. The imperial court carried out regular sacrifices to Zhenwu and, as a means of appeasing the deity, would have commissioned paintings such as this to bestow upon important Daoist temples.

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