China 18th century
Jade Mountain Illustrating the Gathering of Poets at the Lan T'ing Pavilion
1784
Jade, Light green jade
22 1/2 x 38 3/8 in. (57.15 x 97.47 cm)
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
This mountain, apparently the largest piece of historic carved jade outside of China, was commissioned in 1784 by the Ch'ien-lung emperor (1736-95) whose own poem appears carved on the backside. The front displays a longer verse, the Lan T'ing Su ("Prelude to the Orchid Pavilion"), a famous poem composed in 353 by Wang Hsi-chi, perhaps the greatest calligrapher of the Far East. The occasion for the poem is illustrated by this jade carving, a literary gathering of poets and scholars organized by Wang at Lan-t'ing, the Orchid Pavilion. Several literati can be seen writing, drinking wine, and collating texts near the Orchid Pavilion at the foot of Mt. Hui-chi.
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Interesting post Kate! The carvings are amazing.
ReplyDeleteMagnifique ce jade, tout en délicatesse, et avec des petits détails. bravo l'artiste
ReplyDeleteWow- now that's amazing. I have an inkling to learn how to carve stone. So much art, so little time... I must win the lottery or something :)
ReplyDeleteWow, I wonder long it took to carve that jadestone! Stunning work!
ReplyDeleteAnnelie E
ABC Wednesday team
Unbelievable!!!
ReplyDeleteI can't put my brain around things that ancient and beautiful. thanks for sharing this stunning piece of Jade artwork.
What a gorgeous jade sculpture! And interesting history as well! Great post for the J Day! I do love jade!! Hope you have a lovely week, Kate!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
That's quite a large hunk of jade, Kate! How interesting that there's a poem on it as well as the exquisite carving.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I could click on this and see it even better. Wonderful carving.
ReplyDeleteMy niece's middle name is Jade, and she uses it as her last name professionally.
ReplyDeleteROG, ABC Wednesday team
What a spectacular piece!
ReplyDeleteImpressive, for sure!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing piece!
ReplyDeletewow, beautiful piece of art
ReplyDeleteQuite cool with lots of info too.
ReplyDeleteI have heard of these. This one is a nice piece of work, although I don't think it would fit in my home. ;-)
ReplyDeletePS: I do have a new header photo on my blog. It's the current Mississippi State Capitol building.
ReplyDeleteAlmost incredible! A great work and an amazing stone.
ReplyDeleterare view,
ReplyDeletelovely!
Incredibly beautiful carving.
ReplyDeleteLinda
ABC Wednesday Team
Gorgeous! These kind of chinese carvings are amazing.
ReplyDelete