May 20, 2015
May 20, 2015
May 20, 2015
May 20, 2015
May 20, 2015
May 20, 2015
May 20, 2015
May 20, 2015
May 20, 2015

Prunus Wood

Prunus Wood

1700–1899

Wood carving

Overall: 48.3 cm (19 in.)

Alma Kroeger Fund 2015.66

Location

Description

The gnarled and twisted form of a prunus stump is carved to accentuate its naturally textured surface. The body is finely polished to create a lustrous patina. Simple wood carvings like this exemplify the Chinese scholars’ taste for natural forms and rustic materials, which in turn reflect the desire to retreat into nature. They were collected and displayed as decorative works of art in the traditional scholars’ studios.

See also
Department: 
Chinese Art
Type of artwork: 
Wood
Medium: 
Wood carving
Credit line: 
Alma Kroeger Fund

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