High-ranking dignitary of the Ming Dynasty. China, 17th century

High-ranking dignitary of the Ming Dynasty. China, XVII century.
Carved and polychrome wood.
Provenance: private collection.
In good state of preservation.
Measurements: 120 x 52 x 41 cm.

This wooden sculpture, made during the Ming dynasty (16th century), represents a high-ranking dignitary, possibly an imperial official or a religious figure. It stands out for the fineness of the carving and the remains of original polychromy, elements that reveal both the technical care and the symbolic richness of the period.

The figure is seated, a posture that conveys serenity and authority. His clothing, although worn by the passage of time, retains traces of red paint and golden details that reinforce his high status within the imperial or religious hierarchy. He wears a tall, stylized hat, typical of Chinese court officials. In his left hand he holds a gourd-shaped object, probably a hu, a symbol associated with wisdom, longevity and protection in Chinese tradition.

Sculptors of the Ming dynasty worked wood by direct carving, a technique that demanded great precision. Despite the wear and tear, the remains of polychromy give a glimpse of its ancient splendor. The use of intense colors and decorative motifs is evidence of the influence of Confucian and Buddhist beliefs, in a period when sculpture not only fulfilled devotional functions, but also reflected the social and spiritual order. The 16th century was a period of remarkable cultural flowering in China. The support of the Ming court boosted the arts, and wood was consolidated as a fundamental material for religious sculpture. Because of its solemn and symbolic character, this piece was probably part of a Buddhist temple. In these spaces, the figures of dignitaries and sacred entities acted as mediators between the human and divine worlds.