The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of May 12, 2024

Tree Root

Tree Root

before 1800s
(1644-1911)
wood with carved base
with base: 82 cm (32 5/16 in.)
Gift of various donors to the department of Asian Art (by exchange) 2003.44
Location: not on view

Did You Know?

Root sculptures are shaped by the inherent nature of the root rather than being carved.

Description

Here, the twists and turns, ebb and flow of the natural form of the tree root can be interpreted as the energy that gives life and the endless transformations in the universe. The rugged appearance is appreciated for its association with the aesthetic concepts of eccentricity and archaism in Chinese art.
  • ?-2003
    (Kaikodo America Inc., New York, NY, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art
    2003-
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • Chinese Gallery Rotation. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (August 6, 2013-February 3, 2020).
    Main Asian Rotation (G119). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (October 29, 2003-February 4, 2004).
  • {{cite web|title=Tree Root|url=false|author=|year=before 1800s|access-date=12 May 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2003.44