An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Raft Cup1300s–1400s
Zhu Bishan
The figure watching the stars is believed to be the messenger Zhang Qian (died 114 BCE). Legend says he lost his way in the Milky Way, where he met the Weaving Maid who gave him a stone from her loom. Zhang, in fact, holds a slab inscribed <em>loom stone</em>. The vessel is dated, inscribed, and has a seal of the silversmith Zhu Bishan, from Zhejiang province, who ran a workshop in the Lake Tai area near Suzhou. Zhu is one of the few Chinese silversmiths known by name, producing silverware so desirable that his name was used like a trademark by his competitors and followers. Made of pure silver, and shaped like a hollow log, the cup was assembled from several silver pieces that were then soldered together.
The traditional understanding of the silver vessel 's function is that it was supposed to hold wine.
hammered silver soldered together, with chased decoration
Overall: 16 cm (6 5/16 in.)
John L. Severance Fund
Beneath the vast expanse of twinkling stars, a solitary figure stands, gazing upwards with a mix of longing and awe. This is Zhang Qian, a name etched in the annals of history, who departed from the earthly realm in 114 BCE. As he watches the celestial dance, whispers of legend float around him, telling of a remarkable journey lost amidst the shimmering waves of the Milky Way.
In this cosmic void, Zhang encounters the Weaving Maid, a figure of ethereal grace and beauty, who weaves not just fabric, but the very fabric of the universe. With a gentle smile, she hands him a stone from her loom, a token of wisdom and connection. The stone, luminous and unique, symbolizes the merging of their destinies—a gift from the stars themselves.
Zhang cradles this cherished token—an inscribed slab known as the "loom stone." It signifies a profound bond, a reminder of their meeting that transcends time. Accompanying this celestial legend is a wonderfully crafted vessel, dated and bearing the delicate mark of a silversmith named Zhu Bishan. He hailed from the Zhejiang province and established his workshop by the tranquil shores of Lake Tai, near Suzhou.
Zhu Bishan is a name that resonates through history, perhaps one of the few artisans captured by time. His creations, made of pure silver, were fashioned with such artistry that they became the envy of many. His signature, a mark of quality and desirability, was copied by competitors who could only aspire to replicate his skill.
The vessel, shaped like a hollow log, reflects his unmatched craftsmanship. Each piece of silver was carefully assembled, skillfully soldered together into a harmonious whole, reminiscent of the stars glimmering above. It stands as a testament not only to the artistry of Zhu Bishan but also to the stories they are destined to hold—stories of connection, dreams, and the enchanting world that exists beyond our own. Each glance at the vessel sparks curiosity of the past and invites contemplation of the endless journey through the cosmos, just as Zhang Qian looked into the night sky, forever bound to the stories woven among the stars.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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