75 | Boxwood carving of Wang Xizhi and goose Qianlong period, 1736 – 1795 Height: 15.8 cm | 6 3/16 in Click image for full-size version The boxwood is finely carved to depict Wang Xizhi (303-361), the great Chinese calligrapher. Dressed in a robe with voluminous sleeves, he stoops slightly forwards – with hands behind his back, and a tall crumpled hat resting upon his forehead. A long skirt covers his legs – tied around the waist with a cord and folded high over the stomach; two upturned shoes protrude from under the garment. The long beard and moustache cannot hide his jovial countenance; his eyes have a bright and piercing expression, and his open mouth exposes his teeth – in laughter. A separately carved goose stands with its neck vertically outstretched towards the gentleman; there is an undoubted bond of affection and companionship between the two. The separate hardwood stand is of irregular rectangular form, and is carved with an openwork apron and short bracket feet; it is inlaid in silver wire with fret and scrolling designs. Rearing geese was one of Wang Xizhi’s hobbies; it is believed that his brushwork was enhanced by observing the way in which the birds move their necks and, for this reason, the goose became synonymous with calligraphy.