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Subject:Chinese Daoist God of Culture & Literature Wenchang Wang
Posted By: Bill H Sun, Dec 25, 2022 IP: 64.187.128.224
Here's a 7-inch diameter Chinese pedestal dish with a painting of Chinese Daoist God of Culture & Literature Wenchang Wang that I used in a forum discussion forum a dozen years ago. I mentioned then having seen an indication somewhere that this deity might also be recognized in Japan as Shoki, who is based on Chinese Demon-Queller Zhong Kui.

I'd appreciate updated views by our Japanese experts whether this is the case and whether this Chinese deity has other equivalents in the Shinto or other Japanese religion.

Wenchang Wang has secondary names of Wenchang Dijun (文昌帝君), Wen Qu (文曲) or just Wen 文).

The dish is Guangxu period with intaglio Stamp of "Made during the Yongzheng Reign of the Great Qing Dynasty".

All help appreciated,

Bill H.









Subject:Re: Chinese Daoist God of Culture & Literature Wenchang Wang
Posted By: peter Mon, Dec 26, 2022
I do not think this is the case. I have never seen a Shouki that might look like a ghost. Usually Shouki is painted just standing with a sword or actively on the hunt of a demon. Its a great subject for the fantasy of the artists.

The recommened Japanese site Jaanus on iconography also has nothing about the daoist god.
https://www.aisf.or.jp/~jaanus/

Added a picture of a very fine early 17th century Shouki accidentally meeting a very surprised demon with the newest fish handbag. Attributed to Takanobu.

peter



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Subject:Re: Chinese Daoist God of Culture & Literature Wenchang Wang
Posted By: Bill H Mon, Dec 26, 2022
Peter, I greatly value your assistance. I've always favored the Japanese vision of Shouki than the Chinese. Much more imagination than the Chinese, which by comparison sometimes seem bland as seen in these 19th-early 20th century cylinder vases.

Best regards,

Bill H.



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