Yao Taoist Shaman's Scroll, Framed

Green eyes, a gray beard, and a bird perched on his staff.

This framed Taoist shaman's scroll is by an unknown Yao artist from China, 19th century, in pigment on paper. It is titled Tsiang T'in Sai or Master Chang. Master Chang is traditionally honored as a founder of organized Taoism, and Yao priests hung his image with other deities during ordinations and rites for the community. A red robe scattered with spiked medallions fills the sheet, and the fierce face looks out from a green and white halo. Three black spirals crown the composition. 63.5 inches high, framed.

The expression is meant to be feared, and it still does its work.