Snuff Bottle with Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove
Represented often in the visual arts, the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove lived during the third century B.C. and were known for their scholarship, writing, and musical abilities. They are understood as exemplars of an unfettered and less corrupt lifestyle removed from the intrigue of the court. Here, the delicacy of the tiny bamboo stalks in the background and the use of these stalks to render depth exemplify the skillful bamboo carving characteristic of the eighteenth century.
Artwork Details
- Title: Snuff Bottle with Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Qianlong period (1736–95)
- Culture: China
- Medium: Bamboo
- Dimensions: H. 7/8 in. (7.3 cm)
- Classification: Snuff Bottles
- Credit Line: Bequest of Edmund C. Converse, 1921
- Object Number: 21.175.343a, b
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
dated 1774
1713–22
Accession Number: 21.175.282a, b
Accession Number: 14.40.574a, b
Accession Number: 14.40.577a, b
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please contact us using the form below. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.