Eyeglasses Case with Bamboo on Fretwork Background
Bamboo, a favorite subject in Chinese art, is seen here on a typically Chinese background. The fretwork incorporates the broken cross, or swastika—an ancient symbol in Asia that is associated in China with the character wan, which denotes the number ten thousand and symbolizes longevity. The incorporation of the symbol into an unending pattern emphasizes its meaning.
Small overall geometric patterns were commonly mentioned in texts of the Song dynasty (960–1279), and "endless wan," the pattern of connected swastikas, attained dominance by the end of the Ming (1368–1644).
Small overall geometric patterns were commonly mentioned in texts of the Song dynasty (960–1279), and "endless wan," the pattern of connected swastikas, attained dominance by the end of the Ming (1368–1644).
Artwork Details
- Title: Eyeglasses Case with Bamboo on Fretwork Background
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
- Date: 18th–19th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Silk and metallic thread embroidery on silk gauze
- Dimensions: Overall: 5 3/4 x 2 in. (14.6 x 5.1 cm)
- Classification: Textiles-Embroidered
- Credit Line: Bequest of William Christian Paul, 1929
- Object Number: 30.75.691
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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first half 18th century
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early 15th century
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ca. 1330–32
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