A pair of antique root-wood geese carvings reflecting the scholarly aesthetic. They are 24.5 x18 x 23 cm, 26.5 x 13 x 11.5 cm (10 x 7 x 9 inches and 10-1/2 x 5-1/4 4-1/2 inches) respectively. They are in excellent condition. To the intellectual images of geese would immediately call to mind the tragic historical Chinese scholar Wang Xihi.
Wang Xizhi (303–361 CE) was a celebrated Chinese figure from the Eastern Jin Dynasty, often regarded as the "Sage of Calligraphy." Wang Xizhi is famously associated with geese, both as a source of inspiration and in legendary anecdotes. According to tradition, Wang had a deep affection for geese, captivated by their graceful movements, particularly the way their necks curved and their wings glided through water. He observed these qualities and integrated their fluidity into his calligraphy strokes, striving to emulate their natural elegance. One well-known story recounts how Wang Xizhi exchanged one of his calligraphy masterpieces for a prized white goose. This tale illustrates his profound admiration for the bird, suggesting that he valued their beauty and inspiration as highly as his own celebrated art. The association between Wang Xizhi and geese became a motif in Chinese culture, symbolizing artistic refinement and the harmony between nature and creativity.
