Guan Di thumbnail 1
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
China, Room 44, The T.T. Tsui Gallery

This object consists of 5 parts, some of which may be located elsewhere.

Guan Di

Figure of Guandi
1640-1700 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This imposing figure represents Guandi, or Lord Guan. He was originally a real person called Guan Yu. He was a loyal soldier who fought in the civil wars of the 2nd-3rd century AD. In 1594 he was given the title of Guan Di, or ‘Emperor Guan’. One of the most popular Chinese deities, he was worshipped as god of war, protector of the empire and patron of merchants and scholars.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 5 parts.

  • Figure of Guandi
  • Stand
  • Sutra
  • Sutra
  • Offerings
TitleGuan Di (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Carved wood with lacquer over gilding
Brief description
Guan Di, lacquered and gilt wood; China, 1640-1700, Ming-Qing dynasties
Physical description
Deity is in seated position, with left arm resting on his thigh, right arm raised, palm outward, thumb holding down second finger. Dressed in ornate armour decorated with lion heads, and flowing robes. Figure is red and bronze in colour, with black hair and details. (Long strands of facial hair).
Dimensions
  • Height: 120cm
Styles
Credit line
T.C. Sandeman gift
Subjects depicted
Summary
This imposing figure represents Guandi, or Lord Guan. He was originally a real person called Guan Yu. He was a loyal soldier who fought in the civil wars of the 2nd-3rd century AD. In 1594 he was given the title of Guan Di, or ‘Emperor Guan’. One of the most popular Chinese deities, he was worshipped as god of war, protector of the empire and patron of merchants and scholars.
Collection
Accession number
A.7-1917

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Record createdDecember 15, 1999
Record URL
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