Chinese painting ‘Marshal Ma’, Qing dynasty

Watercolour, ink and pigment on silk. It shows the image of Marshal Ma, also known as ‘Great Emperor Huaguan’ or ‘Heavenly King Huaguang’, one of the four Taoist protectors. He is depicted as a flying celestial hero, wearing elaborate robes of vibrant colours and elaborate decorations, and holding an elongated spear in his hands. His expression is serene, with a rounded head, hair tied back, lips in a slight smile and three slanted eyes, the third of which is known as the ‘Eye of Enlightenment’. Later copy, the original was painted during the Ming dynasty.

 Size: 138.5 x 68 cm