An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Cranes and Serpents475–221 BCE
A different style of ritual art developed in the state of Chu in South China. In addition to bronze vessels, lacquered wood artifacts expanded the repertory of ritual implements. <br><br>This extraordinary sculpture was probably a drum stand for supporting a suspended drum in ritual ceremonies. It is unique among other excavated drum stands of the Chu, which typically show two birds standing on tigers. The theme of the bird stepping on the serpent was common in the Chu visual culture. Yet the slender proportions and seemingly flimsy structure of this particular set raise the question of whether it was utilitarian or mostly served symbolic functions in the tomb. <br><br>The birds' and serpents' bodies have designs painted in red lacquer and yellow pigment against the black lacquer. Scientific analyses confirm the additional use of a blue or green pigment that has been discolored over time.
The cranes' long necks allowed a lightweight drum to be suspended from strings through the beaks, while the densely intertwined snakes provided a weighty base to stabilize the object during musical performances.
lacquered wood with polychromy
Overall: 132.1 x 124.5 cm (52 x 49 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
In the heart of ancient Chu, a land steeped in tradition and mystery, a new form of ritual art began to flourish. The air was thick with anticipation as artisans crafted not just with bronze, but also with lacquered wood, expanding the sacred toolkit essential for their rituals. Amongst these exquisite artifacts emerged a sculpture that took on a pivotal role—a drum stand, poised delicately to support a suspended drum during sacred ceremonies.
This particular drum stand, however, stood apart from its kin. Unlike the familiar images of fierce birds perched on tigers, this sculpture told a different story, one woven into the fabric of Chu's visual lore. Here, it was a bird, its slender frame graceful yet almost fragile, stepping upon a serpent—a motif that echoed through the ages in their art.
As you gaze upon this blend of delicate artistry, questions unfurl like the soft whispers of the past: Was this creation born out of practical need, or did it serve a deeper, more symbolic purpose within the tomb? The intricacies of the birds and serpents are painted with a vibrant red lacquer that dances against a backdrop of black, while hints of yellow pigment peek through, showcasing a visual feast for the eyes.
Yet, time, as it tends to do, has played its hand. Scientific analyses reveal the remnants of blue or green hues once vibrant, now softened to shadows of their former selves. This journey through color invites contemplation; it mirrors life itself, where beauty often fades but the essence lingers on, imbued with profound meaning and history.
In Chu, art was not merely an object; it was a conduit for the sacred. Each curve and line was a story waiting to be told, echoing the rich tapestry of human experience that resonates even today, drawing us closer to the echoes of a long-vanished world.
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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