Tapestry: five sages in a garden under pines
1368-1911
Classification
Costume and Textile
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Charles Lang Freer
Accession Number
F1916.548
Tags
About this artwork
To 1916
Art Historical Context
This exquisite tapestry, titled *Five Sages in a Under Pines*, hails from China during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) or Qing dynasty (1644–1), periods renowned for their refined artistic patronage and philosophical depth. The scene captures five sages—eremitic scholars symbolizing wisdom, virtue, and harmony with nature—reclining in a lush garden shaded by majestic pine trees. Pines, enduring symbols of longevity and resilience in Chinese culture, frame the composition, evoking timeless ideals of Daoism and Confucianism. Such motifs were popular in imperial courts and scholarly circles, blendin...
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...