Inro Case Depicting the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove

Asian Art

18th century

Chikanao
Japanese

The Seven Sages, a group of poets in war-torn third-century China who were celebrated for their refusal to be bound by the mores of society, were also renowned in Japan as exemplars of artistic idiosyncrasy. The sages abandoned politics and worldly pursuits, devoting themselves to wine, music and poetry. Here, they are shown wearing conventional Chinese robes and coiffures, with lush facial hair that renders them unmistakably foreign. They are grouped around a long scroll, perhaps recording the poems they have written during their latest gathering in the grove.