Album of Daoist and Buddhist Themes: Procession of Daoist Deities: Leaf 26

This leaf is part of an important album of 50 drawings encompassing three subjects: processions of Daoist deities to the celestial spheres, the Ten Kings of Hell, and Erlang’s Campaign to Rid Mount Guankou of Dangerous Beasts (<em>soushan tu </em>搜山圖).

This section of the Daoist pantheon features the six stars of the Wenchang constellation, plus two attendants and Three Ranks 三台, the short figure on the right. The Superior General 上將 stands a little aloof from the Lieutenant General 次將, Noble Minister 貴相, Director of Destiny 司命, Director of Office 司中, and Director of Emolument 司錄.