Material: jade

Size: H. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm); Diam. 6 in. (15.2 cm)

 

First, take a minute or two to look closely at the images above. Note that the photograph is in black and white; the object itself is made out of jade, and is probably a greenish shade. Write down your reaction to this object--what details do you notice? Why did you pick this object for your response paper? Make notes on things that you notice about it. Also, write down any questions you have about it--what kinds of things would you want to know about this object? Remember the questions we ask in class. You don't need to have answers for these questions yet, but keep them in your notes.

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Once you have some questions written down, try to answer them by reading the information I've provided below about this object and its context.​

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What do we know about this object?​

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This is a small pot to hold calligraphy brushes. We didn't have a chance to talk about calligraphy during class, so I've provided a couple of videos for you below which will introduce you to this Chinese art form:

Appreciating Chinese Calligraphy here.

See a master calligrapher at work here.

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Calligraphy is a highly revered art form in China, and so all of the objects and tools that are involved in calligraphy are similarly revered, and often elaborately decorated. The pot above is carved out of jade. In class we talked about how hard it is to carve jade, and how expensive jade objects could be. 

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The imagery on this brush pot is very detailed--a natural landscape with two figures, a bird, and a temple. As you consider the imagery here, think about the Chinese philosophies we discussed in class (Confucianism and Daoism). Confucianism focused on education (including arts like music or calligraphy) as a way to shape people into good moral citizens, and taught that everyone had a place in society which they should strive to fulfill. Daoism focused instead on nature, teaching that one should look to nature for guidance about how to act and live, and try not to cause conflict--just "go with the flow". These two ideas permeated every aspect of Chinese society, including art. 

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Some things to consider in your response paper:​

• What was your response to this object? What drew your eye? You are encouraged to use first person (I/me) in your response paper. I want to know what you think.

• Consider the artistic details of this object carefully. What kinds of decisions did the artist make when they were creating this piece, and why? How did they arrange all the major elements of this composition (the human figures, the bird, the temple, the landscape)? Use your art terminology.

• Who do you think might have owned this brush pot? Consider who in Chinese society was most likely to be highly educated in calligraphy, or able to afford an object like this. 

• How do you think the philosophies of Confucianism or Daoism might have influenced this artwork? Which principles of Confucianism or Daoism do you see reflected in this object?