Rubbing from the Wu Family Shrine Depicting Centuries Meeting Lao-tz'u, 2nd century
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Ink on paperexpand_more
The William Hood Dunwoody Fundexpand_more 39.26.1-21
Not on Viewexpand_more
A stone slab, discovered in 1786 at the site of the Wu family cemetary, illustrates the meeting of Confucius and Lao-tz'u. The two great teachers, legendary Bronze Age founders of the Confucian and Taoist schools of philosophy, are shown dressed in formal robes conversing in the center of the rubbing. The scene accords generally with records in the Confucian classics which identify the driver of Confucius' chariot as the master's disciple, Nan kung Ching shu. The bird held by Confucius is a turtle dove. According to the Chou Li (Rites of Chou), a Confucian ritual book, an official in a formal meeting held a bird of a particular species to indicate his rank. Confucius had been sent by the Duke of Lu to inquire of Lao tz'u about ritual conduct.
Details
- Title
- Rubbing from the Wu Family Shrine Depicting Centuries Meeting Lao-tz'u
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 39.26.1-21
- 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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