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Censer decorated with the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove

ca. 1640

Not on view

The Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove were a group of men who retreated from society during the turbulent third century to pursue music, engage in pure conversation, and drink wine in the rustic wilds beyond the reach of daily affairs. This vessel, made to hold burning incense, depicts the Sages ensconced amid stalks of bamboo, distanced from the cares of the world.

Censer decorated with the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue (Jingdezhen ware), China — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Censer decorated with the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue (Jingdezhen ware), China

Censer decorated with the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue (Jingdezhen ware), China

Censer decorated with the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue (Jingdezhen ware), China

Censer decorated with the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue (Jingdezhen ware), China

Censer decorated with the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue (Jingdezhen ware), China

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

明崇禎景德鎮窯青花竹林七賢圖香爐

Title: Censer 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: H. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm); Diam. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm)

Classification: Ceramics

Credit Line: Promised Gift of Julia and John Curtis, in celebration of the Museum’s 150th Anniversary

Object Number: L.2017.53.11

The Met

Asian Art at The Met

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