Chinese Ming Stone Palace Baluster Post w/ Scholar

East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 1368 to 1644 CE. Skillfully carved from stone, a corner post of a palace balustrade depicting a poet or scholar sitting in a relaxed yet reflective state, his hair drawn into a long braid falling behind his back, with a bird perched upon one shoulder. The bird is most likely a quail as these birds were associated with the diligent study of scholars. Below the figure on the front face of the post is a beautiful carved floral relief, perhaps an orchid as orchids were traditionally associated with the cultured gentleman scholar. Size: 9.375" L x 9.375" W x 51" H (23.8 cm x 23.8 cm x 129.5 cm)

Significant pavilions, towers, and halls of early Chinese palaces stood upon raised terraces and were bordered by marble balustrades, as were stone bridges. The vertical posts or balusters supporting the "baluster heads" are called "wangzhu" in Chinese. Immense artistic energy was invested in creating these baluster heads which were skillfully carved to represent mythical beings such as dragons, phoenixes, and lions, but also meaningful entities of the earthly realm like this poet/scholar.

Provenance: ex-private Hawaii, USA collection, 2000

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#150829
Condition Report: Repaired from two large pieces. Losses to the poet's right hand, high-pointed areas of the coiffure, and peripheries of the post as shown.