Relief
1115-1234 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This marble slab probably came from north China, to judge from the costumes of the figures and the tent that is similar to a Mongol yurt. These, together with the evidence of a complete tomb lined with such slabs excavated in the north-western province of Gansu, show that the slab probably originated in Jin dynasty territory. This state was established by a different ethnic group from the majority Han Chinese. The complete set of slabs probably depicted popular Confucian tales later known as the 'Twenty Four Exemplars of Filial Piety'. It was during this period that this set of tales was being structured, and it often inspired tomb decoration. Support for Confucian values was important to ruling groups not themselves Han Chinese, striving to cement their legitimacy as holders of the Mandate of Heaven.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Marble, carved in shallow relief |
Brief description | Marble slab from the wall of a tomb chamber, Jin dynasty (1115-1234), Chinese. |
Physical description | Marble slab carved in low-relief with two figures seated beneath a tree in the top register and figures with cups seated inside a tent watching two musicians in the lower register. The stone is a white marble of a large crystal size, large enough to be seen with the naked eye. |
Dimensions |
|
Style | |
Credit line | Purchased with Art Fund support, the Vallentin Bequest, Sir Percival David and the Universities China Committee |
Subjects depicted | |
Summary | This marble slab probably came from north China, to judge from the costumes of the figures and the tent that is similar to a Mongol yurt. These, together with the evidence of a complete tomb lined with such slabs excavated in the north-western province of Gansu, show that the slab probably originated in Jin dynasty territory. This state was established by a different ethnic group from the majority Han Chinese. The complete set of slabs probably depicted popular Confucian tales later known as the 'Twenty Four Exemplars of Filial Piety'. It was during this period that this set of tales was being structured, and it often inspired tomb decoration. Support for Confucian values was important to ruling groups not themselves Han Chinese, striving to cement their legitimacy as holders of the Mandate of Heaven. |
Collection | |
Accession number | A.59-1937 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | February 9, 2003 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest