Objects of the Scholar’s Table

Lots 1137 – 1154

Lots to be sold at Uppsala Auktionskammare’s Important Sale Week 10 – 13 December 2024

The philosopher Confusius (circa 551-479 BCE) had a vision of a society based on merit. His teachings have had great influence on China’s history, deeply rooted in the concept of selecting officials and leaders based on their abilities, education, and intellect, rather than on their social status. This was famously embodied through the imperial civil service exams that began in the Tang dynasty (618-907), a system based on Confucian texts, aimed to recruit scholars into government service. In theory, this would enable talented individuals of humble background, to study and reach brilliance.

Noble was he who aimed to cultivate his academic qualities, and could be considered a literati or scholar. Scholarly pursuits included reading and painting calligraphy, writing poetry, playing musical instruments (such as the qin), and possessing an overall appreciation for the beauty and profundity of nature. A scholar would surround himself with beautiful utensils to help him pursue such virtues.

In the current sale, we are pleased to present a selection of objects suited for the scholar’s table. Each work of art has been carefully crafted with the activities of the scholar in mind. They include bronze censers, fine jades, porcelain brush washers, brush pots and miniature vases for holding flowers, to inspire the scholar and his imagination when painting or writing. ■

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