Lion and Cub
1760-1800 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Chinese scholars liked to use writing accessories made of jade because Confucius praised it as 'the embodiment of virtue'. Small carvings of animals in jade were probably first used as paperweights. As the tradition became more widespread sometimes the jade animals were used purely as decorative items.
Most decorative items have a hidden meaning that conveys good wishes. In this case it plays on the pun between 'lion' and 'preceptor', which are both pronounced 'shi'. The Grand Preceptor was a high-ranking official at the imperial court, and it was every scholar's aspiration to attain such a status.
Most decorative items have a hidden meaning that conveys good wishes. In this case it plays on the pun between 'lion' and 'preceptor', which are both pronounced 'shi'. The Grand Preceptor was a high-ranking official at the imperial court, and it was every scholar's aspiration to attain such a status.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | Nephrite jade with carved decoration, with carved wooden stand. |
| Brief description | Scu, China, carving, jade Scu, China, carving, jade |
| Physical description | White jade figure of lion and cubs, with a perforated globe between her paws and cubs on her back |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Credit line | Wells Bequest |
| Object history | Bequeathed by Arthur Wells, accessioned in 1882. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project. Wells Bequest;; |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | Chinese scholars liked to use writing accessories made of jade because Confucius praised it as 'the embodiment of virtue'. Small carvings of animals in jade were probably first used as paperweights. As the tradition became more widespread sometimes the jade animals were used purely as decorative items. Most decorative items have a hidden meaning that conveys good wishes. In this case it plays on the pun between 'lion' and 'preceptor', which are both pronounced 'shi'. The Grand Preceptor was a high-ranking official at the imperial court, and it was every scholar's aspiration to attain such a status. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 1572&A-1882 |
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| Record created | August 26, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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