Chinese Temple Scroll, Framed

Red, green and gold, and one small crown above a composed face.

From China, in the late 18th or early 19th century, comes this framed Taoist temple scroll in painted paper on cloth, titled The Three Pures: Leng Pu, by an unknown artist. Taoist priests displayed such paintings in temples and during ceremonies, so that the gods would be present for prayers and offerings. A dark-bearded deity sits enthroned in a red and green robe, with dragons rising on either side. Two haloed attendants stand below, and paint has been lost at the upper corner. Seventy-three inches high and thirty-eight wide.

He has been seated a long time. He looks prepared to continue.