Focus on Jade Mountain Illustrating the Gathering of Scholars at the Lanting Pavilion and analyze the Poem.
This jade carving depicts a famous scene in Qing Dynasty history. In its center, it tells the story about a historical event called the Spring Purification Festival, which during the Qing dynasty took place on the third day of the third lunar calendar month. A group of people (most likely nobles and wealthy people) would go out to enjoy nature by the river. This was a day for fun as well as celebration, enjoying meals by the water. At some point, the people would dip their hands in the water to help prevent bad luck. It is said that during one of these celebrations, a very memorable event occurred. There was a “drinking contest”, when people sent wine goblets floating down the winding creek, everyone cheering along on the bank. Whenever a cup stopped, the man closest to the cup was required to drink it and then write a poem. According to event records, 36 poems were composed. To commemorate this day, the calligrapher Wang Xizhi wrote an introduction to the poems collected on the Jade Mountain carving. Wang was particularly renowned for his cursive script and was also a highly esteemed scholar of the time. According to the Minneapolis catalog, 41 scholars along with Wang went to this festival. The festival and the poems created during this event helped inspire many scholars and artists alike.
Jade jade Wang Xizhi poem Spring Purification Festival Qing dynasty