Freshwater Jar (Mizusashi) with the “Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove”

second half 18th century

Not on view

This freshwater jar, one of a pair, depicts the “Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove.” During the turbulent early years of China’s Western Jin dynasty (265–317), seven literati withdrew to a bamboo grove outside the capital to escape the constraints of official life and Confucian propriety. There, they drank wine, exchanged witty Daoist discourse known as qingtan, and played music and chess. Their retreat became legendary, celebrated as a timeless emblem of intellectual freedom and artistic refinement. The depiction of the “Seven Sages” on this jar reflects Edo-period Japan’s admiration for Chinese classical ideals and literati culture.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

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Exhibition History

References

染付竹林七賢文水指
Title: Freshwater Jar (Mizusashi) with the “Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove”
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: second half 18th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Porcelain with cobalt blue under transparent glaze; lacquer cover with porcelain knob (Hirado ware)
Dimensions: H. 8 in. (20.3 cm); Diam. 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm)
Classification: Ceramics
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. V. Everit Macy, 1923
Object Number: 23.225.53
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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Water Jar for the Tea Ceremony with Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove Design, Porcelain with underglaze blue decoration; lacquer cover; (Hirado ware), Japan — Water Jar for the Tea Ceremony with Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove Design
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Armor (<i>Gusoku</i>), Saotome Ietada Japanese, Iron, lacquer, silk, gilt copper, Japanese — Armor (*Gusoku*)
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Armorer Breastplate inscribed inside, Myōchin Munesuke
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Water Jar (Mizusashi) with the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, Porcelain painted with cobalt blue under a transparent glaze; lacquer cover with porcelain knob (Hirado ware), Japan — Water Jar (Mizusashi) with the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove
Japan
late 18th century

Helmet (<i>Zukinnari Kabuto</i>), Iron, lacquer, Japanese — Helmet (*Zukinnari Kabuto*)
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Water Jar with Chinese Scholars, Porcelain with underglaze blue; lacquer cover with porcelain knob (Hirado ware), Japan — Water Jar with Chinese Scholars
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first half of the 18th century

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