Wenchang is seated on a pierced rockwork throne, his left hand which rests on a outcrop, the long flowing robes covering his other arm and exposing a foot, wearing two large belts, one inset with stylised jade plaques, an official hat and long plaits extending to his shoulders, the upper lip and chin with piercing for the insertion of real hair.
For a related figure, see Marchant, Blanc de Chine, p. 16, 2014, no. 5.
Wenchang (文昌) is the Daoist god of literature, further revered as a figure of general benevolence. He is the Chinese god of culture, literature, and civil examinations. Widely revered by scholars, students, and families hoping for academic success, he is typically depicted in the robes of a mandarin, holding a brush or a scroll. His full title, Wenchang Dijun (文昌帝君), means “Sovereign Lord of Literary Prosperity.” In Daoist tradition, he resides in the celestial Wenchang constellation in the northern sky. Devotees often pray to him before exams, and his temples may feature a “wish table” where students leave written prayers for success. Wenchang embodies the Confucian ideal of merit through learning and intellectual achievement in imperial China.
