Covered box decorated with the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove

China

Not on view

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.

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

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

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