Polestar Deity Kui Xing, Ming dynasty (1368–1644), 16th–17th century, China, Leaded tin brass; lost-wax cast, H. 9 1/2 in. (24

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Polestar Deity Kui Xing, Ming dynasty (1368–1644), 16th–17th century, China, Leaded tin brass; lost-wax cast, H. 9 1/2 in. (24 cm), Sculpture, The Pole Star, a popular religious figure associated with the Lord of Literature (Wen Chang Dijun), was the tutelary spirit presiding over the civil-service examinations. Depicted as a demonic figure (the name of the star is a homophone for the word for 'eminent,' which is composed of the ideograph for 'demon' and the ideograph for 'dipper'), the Pole Star had a cult that became particularly important in Ming times, when the number of examination candidates competing for the limited number of available official appointments made divine help all the more welcome

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Size: 2852px × 3800px
Photo credit: © Artokoloro / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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