The figure is seated on a throne with rectangular back and base, covered in turquoise glaze with aubergine lower part to the back, his head, hands and part of the back in biscuit.

Wengchang Dijun, or Wengchang Wang, was the principal God of Literature, but the tablet he should be holding is missing, and therefore this figure could represent another Immortal. However, Xuanwu, the other figure commonly made at this time, should have a bare head and feet as well as a snake entwining a tortoise. This figure was sold as Kangxi (1666-1722).

Literature: Anthony du Boulay, The Duberly Collection of Chinese Art at Winchester College (Winchester, 2019), p. 55

Provenance: Bequeathed as part of the Duberly Collection, 1978; purchased by Major Montagu and Lady Eileen Duberly from John Sparks, 19 October 1956 (£125)

Location: Treasury, Gallery 2