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Bamboo carving of Old Man with a boat: Jiang Tai Gong browse these categories for related items... All Items: Antiques:Regional Art:Asian:Chinese:Wood: Pre 1920: item # 428442 Please refer to our stock # A1045 when inquiring.
1930 Shanghai and More By Appointment Alameda, CA 94501 Tel: 1.510.748.9989 Guest Book $319 |
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| This large bamboo sculpture depicts an old man sitting in his fishing boat, with fish and egrets that catch the fish for this old man. This bamboo carving actually has a story to it. It talks about Jiang Tiao Gong, a famous strategist, lived in the 11th century B.C., became advisor to King Wen and his son King Wu, founders of the Zhou dynasty (1122-771 BC). He was supposedly instrumental in aiding the fall of the Shang Dynasty (approximately 1700 BCE - 1045 BCE) and in establishing the Zhou (1045 BCE – 221 BCE). He was the prime minister for the first Zhou emperor and his loyalty and farsightedness in governing spread his fame throughout China. The legend of Jiang Taigong captured popular imagination. Jiang Taigong is honored throughout Chinese history as the first great military advisor and the father of strategic studies. After his wife left him, Jing Tai Gong, went to Wei-shui River (near today’s Xi'an) to fish, knowing that the future Zhou ruler Wenwang (located in central Shaanxi) would come along one day and meet him. The opportunity occurred one day, when King Wen decided to go hunting in the area near the river, where he saw Lu Shang sitting on the grass, fishing with a bamboo pole that had a barbless hook attached to it. (Some claimed that there was no hook on the line.) The hook was then positioned a few feet above the surface of the water. This unique act of fishing is based on Jiang’s theory that the fish would come to him of their own volition when they were ready. This action requires the fisherman to be patient and devise the philosophy of "if one waits long enough, things will come their way." (from Jade Dragon Online). For additional information on Jiang Tiao Gong, see the articles at http://www.jadedragon.com/articles/meh1223.html and http://www.jadedragon.com/archives/tao_heal/meh040101.html. This bamboo carving captured the essence of the story vividly and is quite clever in its design. 9” h x 18” w x 5” d. | ||
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