Covered box with the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove
The Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove were a group of third-century scholars and writers who chose spiritual freedom over political engagement during a chaotic and turbulent era. Legend dictates that the literati would gather in a grove to enjoy wine, music, and metaphysical discourse. Scenes depicting these sages—such as the one on this box cover—might have satisfied a customer’s desire to leave the mundane world behind during the dynastic change of the mid-seventeenth century.
Artwork Details
- 明崇禎 景德鎮窯青花竹林七賢圖蓋盒
- Title: Covered box 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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Chinese
late 16th–early 17th century
China
18th century
China
early 15th century
Chinese
1368–1644
China
19th century
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