East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. This is a beautiful hand carved wooden relief panel covered with cinnabar lacquer and gilt featuring the tea master, Lu Yu, being served tea by two children. The panel is a rectangular shape with rounded corners, reminiscent of lock charms. The figures - 2 children and the reclining elderly sage - are rendered in high relief on the frontside. The first child stands over a large pot and vessel, and the other holds a teapot and is depicted pouring liquid into Lu Yu's cup. The borders are incised with linear meanders, and stylized scrolling clouds as well as a sun disc are displayed above the figures' heads. Atop the panel's protruding tabs are iron nails that once suspended this hefty panel on a wall - the verso is flat and unadorned. The red and gilt are wonderful additions that bring attention to the remarkably dynamic and nearly 3-dimensional scene! Size: 24.5" L x 12.25" H (62.2 cm x 31.1 cm)

China is the birthplace of tea and the famous figure, Lu Yu (733 to 804 CE), is the master sage, poet, and scholar that is accredited with creating the tea culture that became an important part of Chinese life. As a baby Lu Yu was adopted by a Buddhist monastery but refused to take up robes as he preferred the teachings of Confucianism, and he ran away as a child to join a theater or circus troupe. His intelligence gained him the attention of a local governor, and at age 14 Lu Yu became a student and mentored by teachers, including important literati such as Yan Zhenqing. During his time as a student, he brewed tea for himself and teachers, developing a keen interest in tea, eventually his fascination and obsession with the drink became his life work. His most famous writing is the three-volume book "Ch'a Ching" or "The Classic Of Tea," an immense collection of his knowledge about tea herbs that was a guide to cultivation, brewing, tools, and drinking tea- including behavior and etiquette. Lu Yu is often referred to as the "tea god" of China, and indeed, today there are numerous monuments depicting Lu Yu, and even a Lu-Yu Tea Culture Institute that focuses on an education in tea arts, design, and marketing of all things tea related!

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-M. Kobiashi collection, Hawaii, USA, 1960 to 2000

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#168901

Minor chips and abrasions to some high pointed areas on panel but intact and very good. Fading to gilt and red pigments, but figures are intact and excellent. We recommend washing hands after handling due to cinnabar pigments. Stable pressure fissures and abrasions. Two large, drilled holes from through the panel for mounting. Nails on upper edge have a heavy patina and are not recommended for suspension due to their age.