The traditionalist school focused on making new pieces look as though they had been created from previous dynasties in China. The two main focal points being the Zhou (1046 - 242 BCE) and Song dynasties (979 - 1276 CE) as they are seen as golden eras of Chinese culture. Historical texts would often be the basis for the poems and commentary often inscribed on these pieces.
Incense burner in the shape of a Brazier (1600-01/1699-01) by UnknownLizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art
This incense burner is made to look like a Zhou dynasty bronze brazier. It depicts "C" - spirals elongated dragons, and a taotie mask. All of which are common characteristics found in the Zhou dynasty
Taotie
A Taotie is a guardian of Heaven. Shown in a zoomorphic form, or a flat close-up of their entire face.
This vessel made of Nephrite is made to look like a bronze Jue, or a wine vessel. The bronze counterparts were often gifted to generals or high-ranking officials as decorative pieces.
Around the opening and the legs of the vessel are bamboo leaves. They represent modesty, fortune, loyalty, and integrity. At the front of the vessel is a Tae-tie, a dragon's full flat face.
Vase of Longevity (1600-01/1699-12) by UnknownLizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art
This white nephrite wine vessel is made to look like a bronze Shou from the Song dynasty.
Inscribed in repetition are the characters for longevity.
Covered Vessel in the Shape of Bronze Fang Ding (1900-01/1999-12) by UnknownLizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art
Nephrite sculpture replicating a bronze Fang from the Zhou dynasty.
Featured on the face of the Fang are Tao-ties and c-spiral beads on the face.
At the top are two Qianlong, guardians of heaven.
Gu-Beaker Gu-Beaker (1700-01/1799-12) by UnknownLizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art
Made to look like a bronze Gu-beaker, this white nephrite sculpture depicts symmetrical square shaped swirls with a Tao-tie.
Vessel in the Shape of Bronze Fang Zun (1800-01/1899-12) by UnknownLizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art
White nephrite vessel made to look like a bronze Fang Zun. It has two Tao-tie masks on the front along with Tao-ties on the sides and back.
Bi disks were commonly used in burials on and around the body. They are symbols of Heaven due to their endless round shape. This Bi, was made around 1763 at the height of the Traditional School.
Inscription dating to the Zhou dynasty. This commemorates the Chu King Chu Zhuang (612 - 592 BCE). He turned the state of Chu into a dominant military, political, and economic hegemon.
