The Divine Lord of Culture and Literature

Image Characteristics:
He is typically depicted robed in official garments, holding a ruyi scepter or a jade tablet.

His mount is a "white donkey" (symbolizing the Chinese character "特" tè, meaning "exceptional," signifying success in imperial examinations).

He is attended by two boy servants: "Deaf Celestial" and "Mute Terrestrial" (symbolizing that celestial secrets cannot be divulged).

Stellar Deity Origin:
Wenchang originally referred to the Wenchang Star(s) (a constellation of six stars within the Ziwei Enclosure in Chinese astronomy).

The ancients believed it presided over literary fortune, scholarly honors, and imperial examinations in the human realm.

Authority over Worldly Positions:
He governs lucrative positions and official ranks among mortals, symbolizing promotion in official career and flourishing bureaucratic fortune.

Patronage of Scholarship and Writing:
He blesses literary compositions and academic pursuits, aiding people in increasing wisdom and achieving a flowing stream of literary thought (inspiration).