Pattipan (Stand for a Jug) c. 1740

This is Pattipan, a stand for a jug, made by an anonymous artist. The blue and white ceramic echoes historical and cultural exchanges between the East and the West. Consider how the artist uses a traditional medium to depict a scene of men in what appears to be a moment of leisure. These figures reflect the literati, or scholar-officials, who held significant power in traditional Chinese society. In terms of identity, these figures may represent the virtues of contemplation, education and social harmony. The emotional aspect of the artwork lies in its subtle details, such as the serene expressions on the men’s faces, the delicate rendering of nature, and the tranquil palette of blue on white. Does this artwork maintain traditional representations of men? Or does it offer alternative narratives of masculinity and intellect? Pattipan invites us to reflect on the complex relationship between art, society, and self-representation, echoing the historical context of its creation and reception.