大型の中国掛軸「冥界の宮廷」— 紙に墨と彩色 - Paper - China - 20th century

Description
A fascinating and rare large Chinese hanging scroll (Shuǐlù Huà / "Water and Land Ritual Painting") from Chinese folk religion, depicting one of the courts of the Underworld (Yīnjiān). These ritual scrolls were traditionally used by Daoist or Buddhist priests during funeral services and ancestral rites to guide the souls of the deceased and to serve as a moral warning to the living.

Visual Details:

Upper Register: A blessing Bodhisattva (most likely Ksitigarbha / Dìzàng Wáng) flanked by celestial attendants seated upon vibrant clouds.

Middle Register: A majestic Judge-King of the Underworld (Yánwáng) enthrones behind his official desk, equipped with writing brushes and ledgers of sins (Ledger of Life and Death). He is flanked by two vertical moral inscriptions (couplets): “When people are in the world and do not do good deeds, the laws of the Underworld court will show no mercy upon death.” Newly arrived souls are being judged in front of him.

Lower Register: The enforcers of the underworld, including the iconic "Black Impermanence" (Hei Wuchang) holding a fan (reading: “So, you have arrived too”), and demon imps (Xiǎoguǐ) driving freshly deceased souls through the famous "Ghost Gate Pass" (Guǐmén Guān, bottom right).

A graphically striking and culturally significant collector's piece of Chinese folk art.

Technical Details
Object: Chinese Hanging Scroll / Hell Scroll

Material: Ink and mineral pigments on paper, mounted on a paper/fabric backing

Origin: China


Dimensions: 140 cm (Height) x 66 cm (Width)

Weight: approx. 330 g

Condition Report
Overall Impression: Good, age-appropriate original condition with a beautiful, authentic patina. The colors remain vibrant for its age, and the details are wonderfully legible.

Flaws: Consistent with age and ritual use, there are horizontal creases and minor paper breaks/flaking along the fold lines (particularly in the center section, see detailed photos). Age-related yellowing of the paper. No major missing parts or modern restorations – an entirely authentic original state from a private collection.