A mere 3.4 cm (1.34 inches) in length and 1.6 cm (0.63 inches) tall, this carved olive pit from 1737 is one of the most intricate artworks you will see. The perfectly preserved Carved Olive-Stone Boat was crafted by artist Ch’en Tsu-chang during China’s Ch’ing dynasty.
The sculpture is on display at the National Palace Museum in Taipei City, Taiwan. On the tiny boat are eight figures, each with unique expressions. The interior features chairs and dishes, and the windows are also moveable.
Engraved on the bottom of the boat is the entire text of Su Shih’s Latter Ode on the Red Cliff, which includes more than 300 characters upon which the work is based.
[National Palace Museum via Proteon on reddit]
1.
Artwork by Ch’en Tsu-chang
National Palace Museum
National Palace Museum
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Artwork by Ch’en Tsu-chang
National Palace Museum
National Palace Museum
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Artwork by Ch’en Tsu-chang
National Palace Museum
National Palace Museum
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Artwork by Ch’en Tsu-chang
National Palace Museum
National Palace Museum
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