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Lifting a Tripod at Lintong

20th century

Not on view

This print illustrates the climax of a legend from the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 B.C.). The duke of Qin invited feudal lords to gather at Lintong, in modern Shaanxi Province, northwest China. The guests brought treasures and talented retainers to demonstrate the power and wealth of their states. Wu Zixu (active late 6th–early 5th century B.C.) from the state of Chu impressed everyone by lifting a heavy bronze tripod. The story became a frequent subject in popular literature and theater.

Lifting a Tripod at Lintong, Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, China — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Lintong juding zixu douzhi

Title: Lifting a Tripod at Lintong

Date: 20th century

Culture: China

Medium: Woodblock print; ink and color on paper

Dimensions: Image: 11 9/16 x 11 5/8 in. (29.3 x 29.6 cm)
Overall: 16 x 21 15/16 in. (40.6 x 55.8 cm)

Classification: Prints

Credit Line: On loan from the British Museum

The Met

Asian Art at The Met

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world.