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Art Institute of Chicago

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Unknown Artist — Brushpot Depicting a Daoist Paradise

Unknown Artist

Brushpot Depicting a Daoist Paradise

1795

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.

Medium
Jade
Dimensions

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About this work

Unknown Artist, Brushpot Depicting a Daoist Paradise, 1795

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.

Medium
Jade
Dimensions
17.8 x 16.5 cm
Year
1795
Seen at
Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Related themes

Small Scale, Unique Work

More works by Unknown Artist

Collected by

Cleveland Museum of Art, Art Institute of Chicago