Who painted God of Wealth?

God of Wealth was painted by Unknown in 1900.

Where can I see God of Wealth?

God of Wealth is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

God of Wealth

Unknown , 1900

God of Wealth is a paint painting by Unknown. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The work is a painted representation of a domestic deity identified as the God of Wealth. The figure is seated on a modest chair covered with green fabric, wearing a vivid orange robe trimmed with green accents. A tall, elaborate headdress crowns the figure, and a small altar with flickering flames and a pot sits behind him, set against a plain white background.

Subject & Meaning

The deity is portrayed holding a gold object in one hand, a symbol traditionally linked to abundance. The altar’s flames and the multicolored spheres within a vessel suggest the generation of wealth and prosperity. Inscribed Chinese characters beside the figure likely denote his protective role, reinforcing the painting’s function as a visual invocation of financial blessing.

Technique & Style

The composition relies on bold color contrasts, with the orange robe and green accents standing out against a stark white field. Gold leaf or pigment highlights the headdress’s zig‑zag patterns, while the black bar secures the headpiece. The painter renders the flames with delicate brushwork, creating a sense of movement that illuminates the altar’s objects.

History & Provenance

The painting bears a red maker’s mark in the lower left corner, indicating the workshop or artist responsible for its creation. A vertical column of characters runs along the right edge, providing contextual information about the work’s origin. While the precise date and ownership history are not recorded, the piece reflects traditional Chinese devotional art used in household worship.