Four Seasons Scroll Weight: Fall

2007.12.0004A

Thumbnail of Four Seasons Scroll Weight: Fall (2007.12.0004A)

Detailed Images

Basic Information

Artifact Identification Four Seasons Scroll Weight: Fall   (2007.12.0004A)
Classification/
Nomenclature
  1. Communication T&E
  2. :
  3. Written Communication T&E
  4. :
  5. Writing Accessories
Artist/Maker Wulin
Geographic Location
Period/Date Republic of China, 1930
Culture Chinese

Physical Analysis

Dimension 1 (Length) 25.8 cm
Dimension 2 (Width) 3.4 cm
Dimension 3 (Depth) 2.2 cm
Weight 172 g
Measuring Remarks None
Materials Plant--Bamboo, Plant--Wood, Plant--Zitan
Manufacturing Processes Carved, Staining
Munsell Color Information N/A

Research Remarks

Published Description N/A
Description

"Four Chinese zitan scroll weights, inlaid with bamboo carved to represent the four seasons, each signed Wulin, each 10 1/2” long. This set of four scroll weights dates from the Republic of China circa 1930. It is important to note that Chinese decorative works of art as well as functional works of art produced during the time of Republic of China (1911 - 1949) are highly valued in today’s market. The seasons of the year are represented with plum (winter), orchid (spring), bamboo (summer), and chrysanthemum (fall). In addition to representing seasons of the year, the floral motifs have further importance in Chinese art and culture. The plum blossom is regarded as a symbol of longevity. Orchids are the emblem of love, beauty and refinement. Bamboo is symbolic of long life and fidelity. The chrysanthemum represents joviality, health and prolonged life.

Bamboo is revered as a symbol of long life, constancy and fidelity. Bamboo (Bambuse arundinacea) is the most difficult wood to carve. It is as hard as horn, although it is hollow and segmented. It is lustrous and it ranges in hue from lemon to black, with warm tones in cherry red, tortoise shell, and mahogany, as well as variegated hues.

Zitan wood is a purplish black wood and one of the most important woods in Chinese decorative arts. Zitan is the hardest and heaviest of all the hardwoods. Due to the scarcity of large zitan trees, objects made of zitan are considered exceptional treasures. There are two species which are native to China: Pterocarpus santalinus and Pterocarpus indicus." - Bernie McManus, Appraiser, Woodbury House, Connecticut, 10/29/2007

Comparanda

Sotheby’s, Hong Kong, 10/23/05 lot 143 sale #HK0225, Two Chinese Zitan scroll weights, 9 7/8” the rectangular bases inlaid on the sides with formalized gui dragons in silver wire, surmounted by separate arched upper panels carved and filled in with white pigment with a poetic couplet, followed by a short inscription filled in with red pigment, one read ‘written by Fukan in the second month of the xinsi year (equivalent to 1941 A.D.) followed by the seal, Fukan, all enclosed within a continuous leiwen border, the ends inlaid with bone.

Bibliography N/A

Artifact History

Archaeological Data N/A
Credit Line/Dedication Fred A. Freund Collection
Reproduction No
Reproduction Information N/A

Share What You Know!

The Spurlock Museum actively seeks opportunities to improve what we know and record about our collections. If you have knowledge about this object, please get in touch with our Registration staff by using the form below. Please note that we cannot give appraisals, provide any information related to the value of any party's collections, or authenticate artifacts.

Please enter your first name.
Please enter your last name.
Please enter a valid email address.
Please enter comments you would like to share about the artifact.

All fields are required.