Ming dynasty (1368-1644), probably 16th century, ink and colors on silk, a "Water and Land Ritual" theme painting illustrating various groups of Daoist gods and deities with inscribed titles to each group in red rectangular cartouches as they are floating on golden clouds, formally a hanging scroll now framed in a gold gilt art deco style frame, frame label from New York, 1972, not examined outside of the frame.

DOA 69 x 38.25 in.

This painting would have been from a larger group commissioned for the Buddhist Water and Land Ritual, a rite that was intended to deliver all sentient beings from hell. Although a Buddhist rite, many of these paintings include Daoist gods and folk deities.
A similar painting sold at Christie's, London May 15, 2018, lot 154.

Horizontal creases to silk; a spot of discoloration to upper right area; a 24 in. vertical repair to right hand side.

$1,000 - 2,000