Large 72" Ming Dynasty Scrolls of Gods - Pair | Gilt & Ink on Paper | 16th C. - A Pair

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The Ming Dynasty Masterpiece: A Rare Pair of Celestial Scrolls

A Magnificent Pair of Large Ming Dynasty Daoist Scrolls — … Read more The Ming Dynasty Masterpiece: A Rare Pair of Celestial Scrolls

A Magnificent Pair of Large Ming Dynasty Daoist Scrolls — Gods and Attendants (Late 16th–Early 17th Century)

A rare and impressive pair of original Ming Dynasty Daoist scroll paintings, rendered in finely inked color and gilt on paper. These unsigned works, likely produced by a skilled provincial atelier, depict a celestial assembly of Daoist deities, attendants, and horsemen — a testament to the spiritual and artistic grandeur of late imperial China.

Created during the late 16th to early 17th century, this pair exemplifies the luminous palette, rhythmic composition, and divine iconography characteristic of Ming devotional art. The scrolls are modeled on the tradition of imperial commendation paintings and embody the harmonious balance between mortal craftsmanship and divine representation.

Their scale and presence make them ideal statement pieces for collectors of Asian antiquities or expansive interiors seeking authentic cultural depth.

Provenance: Shanghai, Yantai (Chefoo)

PROVENANCE:Shanghai, Yantai (Chefoo).
Majestic in scale and spirit, this pair of scrolls hangs beautifully as both art and artifact — an extraordinary fusion of history, devotion, and visual splendor.

Condition:
For the discerning collector, authenticity is found in the journey of the object. These 400-year-old treasures bear the honorable marks of their long history:

The Patina of Time: Subtle, historic water character marks on the paper ground serve as a "fingerprint of antiquity," confirming their 16th-century origin.

Narrative Wear: A minor, delicate tear reflects the fragile nature of Ming-era paper, adding to the work’s storied provenance from Shanghai and Yantai (Chefoo).

Structural Integrity: Despite these marks of age, the scrolls remain remarkably preserved, hanging straight and true for immediate gallery or residential display.

Dimensions: 35 1/2 " X 72" each ( in INCHES)

or 90.17 cm x 183 cm ( in centimetres)

A Centerpiece for the Discerning Collector
Whether anchoring a grand entryway or serving as the spiritual heart of a private library, this pair offers a level of prestige and historical depth that modern art simply cannot replicate.

Investment Price: $35,799
Curated by Swan Antiques Gallery & Design | Austin, TX See less