Untitled

Shen Cunzhou

17th century · Pewter · Asian Art

This pair of perfectly matched tea caddies appears to be a rare example of the handiwork of the renowned early Qing pewter artist Shen Cunzhou. When placed side-by-side, the twin caddies form a single unit with no visible adornment other than the gently protruding flanges at the center of each side. Only when separated does one see that the flat “inside” surfaces have each been incised with texts. The base of each caddy also bears a poem. The texts, by noted literary figures of the Tang (618-907), Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties, all celebrate the joys of living in harmony with nature. By cleverly concealing these texts, the caddies exemplify the literati ideal of inner cultivation. The understated design and extraordinary craftsmanship of these humble objects exemplify the refined taste and innovative spirit of the period

Artist

Shen Cunzhou

Date

17th century

Medium

Pewter

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 2020