Covered box decorated with the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove
The Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove were a group of scholars and writers of the third century who chose spiritual freedom over political engagement during a chaotic era. Although in reality they may not have known one another personally, they are said to have gathered in a bamboo grove near the house of the group’s leader, Ji Kang (ca. 223–ca. 262), to enjoy wine, music, and metaphysical discourse. The surface decoration on these two vessels shows the sages engaged in a variety of scholarly pursuits. The imagery circling the outer wall of the censer creates a sense of continuity that could not be achieved in a painting.
Artwork Details
- 明崇禎 景德鎮窯青花竹林七賢圖蓋盒
- Title: Covered box decorated with the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove
- Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
- Date: ca. 1640
- Culture: China
- Medium: Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue (Jingdezhen ware)
- Dimensions: Box and cover: H. 4 3/4 in. (12.1 cm); Diam. 8 3/8 in. (21.3 cm)
a. cover: H. 2 3/8 in. (6 cm); Diam. 8 3/8 in. (21.3 cm)
b. box base: H. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm): Diam. 8 3/8 in. (21.3 cm) - Classification: Ceramics
- Credit Line: Gift of Julia and John Curtis, in celebration of the Museum’s 150th anniversary, 2019
- Object Number: 2019.446.1a, b
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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China
17th century
China
1713–22
China
late 17th century
Central Tibet
ca. 1700
Tibet or Mongolia
17th century
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