Filial Piety

Xiao, the Chinese word for filial piety, is one of the foundations of Confucianism and was also embraced by Taoism. It delineates the attitude towards and practice of obedience, devotion, and care toward one’s parents and elder family members. In practicing piety, one puts the needs of parents and family elders over self, spouse, and children, deferring to parents’ judgment, and observing this reverence through prescribed behavioral acts of respect. Emphasizing rites and ritual behaviors is believed to strengthen family harmony, sociopolitical stability, and the power of the governing hierarchy. Ancestor worship and propitiating ancestor images on home altars with offerings and prayers are manifestations of filial piety. Belief in filial piety was later adopted in Japan.

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  • Han Dynasty Cocoon Jar with Cloud Designs, China (16015UHEM) $2100

    $2,100.00
    H: 11.75”  W: 12.25”  D: 7.5” | FOR SHIPPING INFORMATION CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030

    Cocoon jars were mingqi made for placement in tombs to comfort the deceased on their journey to and in their afterlife. An elixir of Immortality made from mulberry leaves or their ashes was placed inside for the deceased to drink and transmigrate into the world of the beyond. Ovoid in shape to resemble a silkworm cocoon, ajar rests on a small trumpet-shaped foot and has a narrow neck and a wide lip at its mouth. Painted after firing with vertical bands dividing it into panels, swirling cloud scrolls, and circular “eye” motifs at each end, this beautiful vessel is in excellent condition for its age with expected paint losses, scrapes, and dirt adhesions.

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