Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Jade Mountain: ABC Wednesday-"J"


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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20 comments:

  1. Interesting post Kate! The carvings are amazing.

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  2. Magnifique ce jade, tout en délicatesse, et avec des petits détails. bravo l'artiste

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  3. Wow- 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 :)

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  4. Wow, I wonder long it took to carve that jadestone! Stunning work!

    Annelie E
    ABC Wednesday team

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  5. Unbelievable!!!
    I can't put my brain around things that ancient and beautiful. thanks for sharing this stunning piece of Jade artwork.

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  6. 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!

    Sylvia

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  7. That's quite a large hunk of jade, Kate! How interesting that there's a poem on it as well as the exquisite carving.

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  8. I'm so glad I could click on this and see it even better. Wonderful carving.

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  9. My niece's middle name is Jade, and she uses it as her last name professionally.

    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

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  10. What a spectacular piece!

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  11. Impressive, for sure!

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  12. What an amazing piece!

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  13. wow, beautiful piece of art

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  14. Quite cool with lots of info too.

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  15. I have heard of these. This one is a nice piece of work, although I don't think it would fit in my home. ;-)

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  16. PS: I do have a new header photo on my blog. It's the current Mississippi State Capitol building.

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  17. Almost incredible! A great work and an amazing stone.

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  18. Anonymous8:10 PM

    Incredibly beautiful carving.

    Linda
    ABC Wednesday Team

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  19. Gorgeous! These kind of chinese carvings are amazing.

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