Bravo at the NPM

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Introduction

Chinese legend says that when a bear reaches the age of 500, it can transform into a myriad manifestations. Supernatural stories such as this may be difficult to believe today, but the bear as a symbol of physical strength has long and deep roots in the history of traditional Chinese thought.

In conjunction with the 2017 Taipei Summer Universiade, the mascot for which is "Bravo," a Formosan black bear, the National Palace Museum is presenting a special display of artworks in its collection featuring bears. Examples include from the Wu to Western Jin period a bear-shaped celadon lamp and a dish supported by small bears most likely used as a lamp as well. In the Qing dynasty, there are also bear-shaped vessels in bronze and jade that demonstrate the Qianlong emperor's innovative reworking of tradition based on an ancient Han dynasty bronze bear in his collection. Also, a jade carving of a boy and a bear in embrace show the skillful use of black and white parts in the original mineral to suggest the two are dancing. These works in three different materials present fascinating moments that vie to bring out the combination of beauty and power for the bear in Chinese art.

Selections

Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE),Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing dynasty

Bear-shaped jade zun vessel,Bear-shaped jade zun vessel

This jade vessel from the Qianlong reign was carved in 1760 and patterned after a "Tang dynasty flying bear stand" illustrated in the Qing catalogue of bronzes entitled Ancient Mirror of Western Clarity. The original is a bronze bear with its hairs outlined in gold and silver filaments. Several places, such as the forehead and eyes, are inlaid with semi-precious stones. The succinct lines and opulent decoration suggest it is a remnant from an object of the Han dynasty. As for the Qing jade production, its size and shape are more or less patterned after the bronze. The form is straightforward and smooth, exhibiting the qualities sought in jades patterned after antiquity in the Qianlong reign.

Qing dynasty (1644-1911)

Jade boy and bear

This sculpture was carved from a piece of jade naturally divided into black and white parts. The shorter white part is rendered as a stout and rounded figure using long lines, and the longer black part as the bear is defined by incised lines for the hairs on its body. The carving ingeniously conveys a moment of interaction between the two of them. It is not a tense scene, as both the boy and the bear appear smiling, holding hands in a sort of dance. This jade carving, along with other small objects, had been placed in a curio box, indicating that most had been prized for their skill and playfulness.

Wu to Western Jin period (3rd c.)

Celadon bear lamp

This celadon lamp with a bear consists of three parts for the oil receptacle, lamppost, and three-legged dish. The most eye-catching part of this piece is the small cute bear squatting in the dish to hold the oil receptacle. Close observation shows the chest and abdomen of the bear to be decorated with texturing and engraved lines as well as markings to indicate the tail area behind. Compared to a similar piece excavated from a tomb dated to 265 in the Nanjing area, it can be surmised that celadon lamps with bear forms were popular in the third century.