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Brushpot Depicting a Daoist Paradise

A work made of jade.
CC0 Public Domain Designation

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  • A work made of jade.

Date:

Qing dynasty (1644–1911), reign of Qianlong (1736–1795)

Artist:

China

About this artwork

Crafted out of nephrite, also known as “spinach” jade, this opulent vessel was designed to hold brushes for painting and calligraphy. Adorning the exterior surface is a continuous scene depicting figures and architecture within a mountainous, tree-laden landscape, evoking the ethereal realm of the immortals. Despite nephrite’s reputation for its remarkable density and hardness, the meticulously carved panorama encircling the vessel transforms the exterior into a vibrant, three-dimensional painting.

The top of this brush holder is inscribed with a poem by Emperor Qianlong (reigned 1736-1795). In the poem, the emperor refers to the vessel’s material, craftsmanship, and iconography, drawing connections to its ability to embody the spirit of the immortals.

Status

On View, Gallery 134

Department

Arts of Asia

Title

Brushpot Depicting a Daoist Paradise

Place

China (Artist's nationality:)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

1795

Medium

Jade

Dimensions

17.8 × 16.5 cm (7 × 6 1/2 in.); Diam.: 16.6 cm (6 1/2 in.)

Credit Line

Bequest of Grace Brown Palmer

Reference Number

1967.88

IIIF Manifest  The International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF) represents a set of open standards that enables rich access to digital media from libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural institutions around the world.

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https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/26882/manifest.json

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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