Pillow, 12th-13th century
Li Family Workshopexpand_more
Cizhou ware Stoneware with painted designs on white slipexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 99.67.1
On View in Gallery 204expand_more
This precisely painted pillow illustrates the "Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove" (zhulin qi xian). These "sages" were historical figures who lived in the environs of Luoyang during the third century following the fall of the Han dynasty. In the popular mythology that developed around them, they became prototype symbols of scholarly resolve, Daoist reclusion, gentlemanly accomplishments and self-indulgence. The theme of the reclusive sage was repeated in literature and the visual arts throughout most succeeding dynasties. The scholarly subject matter would have been recognizable to an educated Chinese, the type of individual for whom this pillow was probably intended.
The bottom of the pillow is impressed with a seal bearing three characters which read "made by the Li family" (Li jia zao). Rectangular pillows from Cizhou with stamped or brushed inscriptions mention the Zhang, Wang, Chen and Li family workshops. Based on the number of surviving pillows, the Chang family dominated the market during the thirteenth century while examples of the Li family are the most rare.
Details
- Title
- Pillow
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 99.67.1
- 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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