176 - A 'Shuilu' ritual scroll

A 'Shuilu' ritual scroll China, 18th/19th century 106 x 42,5 cm (158 x 54 cm) Ink and colours on silk, original mounting. A ritual hanging scroll with a strictly hierarchical composition. The painting on the front depicts, with fine linework and expressive colouring, an assembly of Buddhist and cosmological deities amidst a dense cloudscape. The composition is divided vertically into four precise registers: the uppermost register features four deities enthroned on lotus seats with halos, including Guanyin with the basket of carp and Tang Xuanzang; the second register features four high-ranking cosmic ministers; the middle register depicts six officials representing the six of 12 signs of the zodiac; the lowest register shows 14 of the 28 lunar mansions. The reverse side bears inscriptions in red ink (names of deities and ritual context). Original cord suspension. Formerly part of an old German private collection - Signs of age, partially wear, creases, water stains and minor losses, reverse side with old repairs - The work originally formed one half of a diptych