.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
The inscription carved inside may be read, 'Made by Daikui of Yu county in the wuyin year of the Taiyuan reign of the Jin dynasty (AD 378).'
The qin is one of the most highly regarded Chinese musical instruments, and has long been associated with the literati. The ability to play the qin was essential in accordance with the four scholarly accomplisments of a gentleman - the other ideals being the composition and writing of calligraphy, painting, and to excel at weiqi. The playing of the qin was thought to cultivate the spiritual mind.
Models of qin were also made from other materials including iron and marble, and would have been made for display purposes. A very rare porcelain qin of 17th-18th century date inscribed with a Qianlong poem in the collection of the National Palace Museum, Taipei, is illustrated by Yu Peichin, "Consummate Images: Emperor Qianlong's Vision of the 'Ideal' Kiln," Orientations, November/December 2011, p. 81, figs. 1 and 1a.
The qin is one of the most highly regarded Chinese musical instruments, and has long been associated with the literati. The ability to play the qin was essential in accordance with the four scholarly accomplisments of a gentleman - the other ideals being the composition and writing of calligraphy, painting, and to excel at weiqi. The playing of the qin was thought to cultivate the spiritual mind.
Models of qin were also made from other materials including iron and marble, and would have been made for display purposes. A very rare porcelain qin of 17th-18th century date inscribed with a Qianlong poem in the collection of the National Palace Museum, Taipei, is illustrated by Yu Peichin, "Consummate Images: Emperor Qianlong's Vision of the 'Ideal' Kiln," Orientations, November/December 2011, p. 81, figs. 1 and 1a.