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Flag or hanging depicting Ziwei Dadi, 1849 (cotton)
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Flag or hanging depicting Ziwei Dadi, 1849 (cotton)
7340527 Flag or hanging depicting Ziwei Dadi, 1849 (cotton) by Unknown Artist, (19th century); 221x284.5 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Unknown Artist, (19th century)
Said to be the flag of the Chinese pirate Shap Ng Tsai but more likely to be a shrine hanging from one of the junks in his fleet. Most Chinese vessels had a small shrine on the poop dedicated to T'ien Hou. The characters say T'ien Hou Sheng Mu (Empress of Heaven, Holy mother). T'ien Hou was regarded as a calmer of storms and protectoress of marine commerce, fishermen and sailors. The flag is painted with a depiction of Ziwei Dadi, one of the four Emperors of Heaven who assist the Jade Emperor. Ziwei Dadi is regarded in Cantonese communities as a major deity in his own right. He is seated on a mythical beast with a pillar behind him, holding a taijitu symbol surrounded by eight trigrams. The bats at the side of the hanging are a punning reference to good luck. A hoist (possibly a later addition) is placed on the right hand side.
Shap Ng Tsai's fleet of 27 junks was destroyed in a joint action by an Anglo-Chinese squadron under Captain John Charles Dalrymple Hay and Major General Hwang on 20 October 1849. Shap Ng Tsai succeeded in escaping, although his ship and its flag were burned in this action.); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38519446
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning print captures a flag or hanging depicting Ziwei Dadi, dating back to 1849. The intricate design on the cotton fabric showcases the Chinese deity Ziwei Dadi, one of the four Emperors of Heaven who assists the Jade Emperor. In Cantonese communities, Ziwei Dadi is revered as a major deity in his own right.
The characters on the flag read 'T'ien Hou Sheng Mu,' which translates to Empress of Heaven, Holy Mother. T'ien Hou was believed to calm storms and protect marine commerce, fishermen, and sailors. The presence of bats on the hanging symbolizes good luck in Chinese culture.
Originally thought to be the flag of Chinese pirate Shap Ng Tsai's fleet, it is now believed to be a shrine hanging from one of his junks. Shap Ng Tsai's fleet was destroyed in 1849 by an Anglo-Chinese squadron led by Captain John Charles Dalrymple Hay and Major General Hwang.
This historical artifact provides a glimpse into maritime traditions and beliefs from centuries past. The vibrant colors and detailed imagery make this piece a captivating addition to any collection or display.
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