Scroll Weight
Ming dynasty (1368–1644), 15th/16th century
Medium
Carved cinnabar lacquer
Dimensions
36.6 × 2.4 × 3.1 cm (14 7/16 × 15/16 × 1 1/4 in.)
Classification
lacquerware
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
58024
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This cinnabar lacquer scroll weight, used to stabilize traditional Chinese painted scrolls when unrolled for viewing, features a realistically carved design of bamboo, plum and pine growing near the rocks against an all-over floral background. These three plants are known as the Three Friends of Winter. As they thrive even in the harshness of winter, they have come to symbolize steadfastness, perseverance, and resilience – the ideal characteristics of a Chinese literati. The trio became a popula...
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...