Large Chinese Guangxu (1875-1908) Daoist "Judge of Hell" ink and pigment on paper scroll painting.
Depicting the judge with his servants surrounding him and Buddhist arhats or lohans above. In front of him are various well-dressed souls, a demon holding a sign "raise or take" between them, various demons, and a gate below. Possibly made for the Deng family.
Sight; height: 49 in x width: 21 in. Framed; height: 69 in x width: 35 1/2 in. The colors are bold and deep. There are losses to the pigment throughout, in particular along the figure in the top center and the table of the scholar/judge. There is creasing throughout, especially down the center of the item, measuring approximately 16 inches. There is discoloring and soiling throughout. There is undulation to the sheet. There are no obvious signs of restoration under UV light. Framed under glass. Wear and losses to the frame, in particular along the lower moulding. Not examined out of frame.