The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of September 30, 2023

Tree Root

before 1800s

China, Qing dynasty

(1644-1911)

Wood with carved base

With base: 82 cm (32 5/16 in.)

Gift of various donors to the department of Asian Art (by exchange) 2003.44

Location

not on view

Fun Fact

Root sculptures are shaped by the inherent nature of the root rather than being carved.

Description

Here, the twists and turns, ebb and flow of the natural form of the tree root can be interpreted as the energy that gives life and the endless transformations in the universe. The rugged appearance is appreciated for its association with the aesthetic concepts of eccentricity and archaism in Chinese art.

Provenance
?-2003
(Kaikodo America Inc., New York, NY, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art
2003-
The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
Exhibition history

Main Asian Rotation (G119). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (October 29, 2003-February 4, 2004).

Chinese Gallery Rotation. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (August 6, 2013-February 3, 2020).

Source URL: https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2003.44