White Beard, Golden Robe

Viewing notes

A viewer's written impression — not a buyer review or first-hand record

This polychrome seated elder is golden in overall tone, still and sumptuous. White hair is bound in a topknot under a small golden crown, and a long silver beard falls to the chest; the eyes are gently closed, the seat a lotus pedestal. The right hand forms a seal at the chest, the left rests calmly before the knees. The great robe is golden yellow, worked all over with orange-gold florals and coiling dragons, its folds falling in heavy layers, the sleeves wide, a knotted sash hanging at the chest. Behind rises a tall pointed aureole, gilt throughout and carved with paired dragons, flames and a sun disc; to the left juts a ruyi-shaped side panel bearing a dragon sporting with a pearl. The lotus pedestal is creamy white, its petals traced in gold, and two small golden ornaments stand on little platforms at the sides. Made for a quiet place of honour, or for a study or tea room, where its restrained gold keeps its own serene weather.