Portrait of Confucius, late 14th century
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Ink and color on silkexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 98.65.1
Not on Viewexpand_more
This large depiction of Confucius (Kongzi), one of the great cultural heroes of Chinese history, was most likely used in a temple or at an altar dedicated to his system of thought.
Confucius was born at Qufu (Shandong Province), their capital of the state of Lu in 551 BCE. After spending much of his life travelling from state to state seeking a ruler who would adopt his principles of government, he returned to Qufu and spent many years teaching disciples until his death in 479 BCE. A great political and social thinker, his ideas, writings and moral precepts were codified and provided a basis for Chinese societal and government organization for over 2000 years. Confucian temples used to be found throughout China and the official worship of the great sage was carried out on the spring and autumn equinoxes. Many surviving portraits of Confucius are stereotypical representations similar to this one. They feature a bearded Confucius with clasped hands and a placid expression, attired in formal court robes.
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Details
- Title
- Portrait of Confucius
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 98.65.1
- Curator Approved
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