Water Dropper: Poet Li Bai Sleeping Near Pine, Plum and Bamboo

Artist Chinese

Date18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

Mediumaqua, mauve and white fluorite

Dimensions8.3 x 10.8 cm (3 1/4 x 4 1/4 in.)

ClassificationsJades

Credit LineBequest of Mrs. Harry W. Goddard, in memory of Harry W. Goddard

Terms

fluorite

Object number1938.60

DescriptionReclining figure resting on a water jar in rose, green and white.
Label TextWater Dropper: Poet Li Bai Sleeping Near Pine, Plum and Bamboo Fluorite; Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911), 18th century Bequest of Mrs. Harry W. Goddard, in memory of Harry W. Goddard, 1938.60 Water Dropper: Poet Li Bai Sleeping Near Pine, Plum and Bamboo Fluorite; Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911), 18th century Bequest of Mrs. Harry W. Goddard, in memory of Harry W. Goddard, 1938.60 Used to add water during the grinding of calligraphic ink, this water dropper, depicts the Tang dynasty poet Li Bai (also Li Po or Li Tai Bai; 699-762 CE). The poet leans against a wine vessel, asleep next to pine, plum blossoms and bamboo, the "three friends of winter." Li Bai spent much of his life drinking wine, wandering and letting time pass. He was however deeply interested in Taoism, and his verses showed great sensitivity to the beauty of nature and human emotions. Amidst the flowers a jug of wine; I pour alone, lacking companionship. So raising the cup I invite the Moon, then turn to my shadow, which makes three of us. Because the Moon does not know how to drink, my shadow merely follows the movement of my body. The moon has brought the shadow to keep me company a while, The practice of mirth should keep pace with spring. I start a song and the moon begins to reel. I rise and dance and the shadow moves grotesquely. While I'm still conscious, let's rejoice with one another. After I am drunk let each one go his way. Let us bind ourselves forever for passionless journeying. Let us swear to meet again far in the Milky Way. Li Bai (699 - 762 CE)

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