Art Institute of Chicago
Scroll Weight
ChinaLinkedCulture matchlcp-777a05c2acea
- Date
- Ming dynasty (1368–1644), 15th/16th century
- Medium
- Carved cinnabar lacquer
- Culture
- China
- Department
- Arts of Asia
- Institution
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Object ID
- 58024
From the Art Institute of Chicago record
This cinnabar lacquer scroll weight, used to stabilize traditional Chinese painted scrolls when unrolled for viewing, features a realistically carved design of bamboo, plum and pine growing near the rocks against an all-over floral background. These three plants are known as the Three Friends of Winter. As they thrive even in the harshness of winter, they have come to symbolize steadfastness, perseverance, and resilience – the ideal characteristics of a Chinese literati. The trio became a popular motif in Chinese art and literature.
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Provenance & credit
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- Credit line
- Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel M. Nickerson
Linked open data
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- Object type
- AAT300122241
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