Covered box decorated with the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove

Covered box decorated with the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove were a group of scholars and writers of the third century who chose spiritual freedom over political engagement during a chaotic era. Although in reality they may not have known one another personally, they are said to have gathered in a bamboo grove near the house of the group’s leader, Ji Kang (ca. 223–ca. 262), to enjoy wine, music, and metaphysical discourse. The surface decoration on these two vessels shows the sages engaged in a variety of scholarly pursuits. The imagery circling the outer wall of the censer creates a sense of continuity that could not be achieved in a painting.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Covered box decorated with the Seven Sages of the Bamboo GroveCovered box decorated with the Seven Sages of the Bamboo GroveCovered box decorated with the Seven Sages of the Bamboo GroveCovered box decorated with the Seven Sages of the Bamboo GroveCovered box decorated with the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.