Ganlan Olive Stone Miniature Boat with the Ode to the Red Cliff Carved on the Bottom

Chen Zuzhang, originally from Guandong, had already entered the Imperial Bureau of Manufacture in the Yongzheng reign (1723-1735). In 1737, he followed the natural shape of an olive pit to carve a small boat. On the boat are eight figures, each of which is animated and expressive in an individual manner. What is most fascinating is that the entire text of Su Shi's "Latter Ode on the Red Cliff," including more than 300 characters and upon which this work is based, is engraved with exquisite detail on the bottom of the boat, testifying to the heavenly craftsmanship of the artist.