Yao people
(China)
Ceremonial painting - Taiwei (The High Constable)
- Location
- Not on display
- Further information
Amongst the pantheon of deities, Taiwei is always represented riding a white horse, holding a sword in his right hand and a seal of authority in his left hand. He is one of the three deities postulants not yet fully ordained are permitted to worship before for ceremonies (the other two are Haifan and Hangsi). During his human life Taiwei and his horsemen were troublemakers; once accepted into the Daoist pantheon he became a deity and protector of the faith. Placed at the side of an altar, Taiwei prevents spirits entering and causing strife in sacred spaces.
Reference: Jacques Lemoine, 'Yao Ceremonial Paintings', 1982.
Asian Art Department, AGNSW, 2007.
- Place of origin
-
Yunnan Province,
China
- Cultural origin
- Mian
- Year
- 1857
- Media
- Painting
- Medium
- pigment on paper
- Dimensions
- 119.2 x 49.4cm
- Credit
- Gift of Dr John Yu and Dr George Soutter 2006
- Accession number
- 268.2006
