Su Wu
About this object
History of use
Narrative
Purchased by the donor in 1980 in Shiwan, Guangdong. Presented to her by the artist Lui Zemian, at his workshop.
Iconographic meaning
Su Wu (蘇武) was an emissary from the Western Han dynasty (206 BCE-24 CE). In the visual arts, Su Wu is commonly depicted with his staff, herding sheep.
Physical description
Shiwan style pottery figure of Su Wu, the faithful diplomat of the Han Dynasty who was forced to become a sheep herder, wearing long flowing robes glazed in a copper-red plum glaze, with a wood staff and long white beard. He has a small white ram at his feet and a long cord of shells wrapped around the top of his staff. Figure is hollow. Interior has impressed artist mark and is inscribed with the artist’s signature.
Date Made
C. 1980
Date Acquired
30 Jun 2021
How Acquired
Donated
Credit Line
Measurements
Overall: 36.4 cm x 21.9 cm x 15.2 cm
Object Number
3510/8