Zither (Qin), 1634 (dated by inscription)
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Black and red lacquered wood with jade thumb screwsexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 96.121
On View in Gallery 216expand_more
The zither, or qin, has been regarded as a symbol of enlightenment by the Chinese since Confucian times (6th century BCE). By the seventeenth century, it was a required object in most scholars' studies, if only for display. This rare example has inscriptions on the bottom, including the title Zhong He ("middle harmony") and the number 57. One of a series made in 1634 for Prince Lu, a son of the Wanli emperor, it was probably given as a gift to a friend or member of his aristocratic literary circle. The instrument also bears the gilded mark Luguo shi quan ("heirloom of the Lu State") and an engraved poem, signed by Jingyi Zhuren, that reads:
The moonlight is reflected in the Yangzi;
A light breeze blows over clear dew drops.
Only in a tranquil place
Can one comprehend the feeling of eternity.
Apparently, scholars liked having a variety of inscriptions and seals affixed to an otherwise utilitarian object.
Details
- Title
- Zither (Qin)
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 96.121
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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