Inro Case Depicting the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove
18th century
Medium
Lacquer with inlay
Dimensions
9.5 × 4.5 cm (3 3/4 × 1 13/16 in.); Diam.: 4.5 cm (1 13/16 in.)
Classification
lacquer
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
57791
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
The Seven Sages, a group of poets in war-torn third-century China who were celebrated for their refusal to be bound by the mores of society, were also renowned in Japan as exemplars of artistic idiosyncrasy. The sages abandoned politics and worldly pursuits, devoting themselves to wine, music and poetry. Here, they are shown wearing conventional Chinese robes and coiffures, with lush facial hair that renders them unmistakably foreign. They are grouped around a long scroll, perhaps recording the ...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...