A large
and cleanly carved section of a fine Asian tusk, color of milk and cream, with
streaks and whorls of gold in places where the layers merge, as well as striations
that mark the piece overall, becoming less visible where the face is carved from
the finest, whitest and densest section of the material, as it narrows toward
the tip. This smaller end of the tusk is solid, unlike the wide end which is hollow
for about a third to half the length of the tusk. In contrast to the golden markings,
the lighter areas have cool highlights.
Carved
in a slight bending posture conforming with the shape of the tusk is the benevolent
figure of Confucius, China’s greatest sage, who believed in the moral order of
the universe and the natural goodness of humanity, and that ignorance and conditioning
are the cause of human degradation, the remedy being education and cultivation
of the five virtues: benevolence, justice, propriety, wisdom and sincerity. Confucius
stands in his imperial trappings, imperial hat and sword, his robe ornamented
with clouds and draped with jewels, his crossed hands holding a book. In contrast
to the generally low relief of the figure, the face is marvelously realized in
the round, with chunky brows and flowing beard and moustache, the smile revealing
Confucius’ well-known gap between his front teeth. The expression is kindly and
the features deeply and delicately cut.
