Chinese Taoist Shaman's Scroll, Framed

One seated god, a great many officials, and everyone in their proper place.

This Taoist shaman's scroll, framed, comes from China and dates to the 19th century. It is painting on paper, mounted on silk. Taoist priests and ritual specialists hung scrolls like this during ceremonies for healing, exorcism and funerals, calling the gods depicted to attend the rite. A bearded figure sits against an orange halo, in a blue robe with a beast's face at his lap. Rows of smaller officials fill the space below, with more deities above. Seventy-one inches high and thirty-six and a half wide.

A very crowded room, and all of it in order.