Teal Robe, Golden Ruyi

Viewing notes

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

This polychrome seated figure in a teal robe holds a golden ruyi before a red aureole. His black hair is knotted with a gold bead at its peak, his long black beard falls to his chest with two locks against his cheeks, and his lowered eyes carry a gentle smile. The teal-green robe is woven all over with cloud-dragons in blue, gold and orange, fine as brocade; an orange inner robe and a dark blue chest panel overlap at the front, where a lotus motif cradles a red jewel. His left hand is raised at his chest, holding the ruyi diagonally — its head round, its shaft curved — while his right hand steadies the handle's end in his lap, the dark red cloud-shaped rest before him. Behind, the pointed-leaf aureole layers deep red carving around a radiating golden disc, with a green lotus at the tip and small attendants at the sides. The lotus throne alternates teal-gold petals with a blue petal band over a round red base. The freshness of teal set against the blessing of the ruyi — a piece of both refinement and good fortune, for a shrine or a study.