A greenish rock sits before you. This is not just any rock. It is Jade Mountain Illustrating the Gathering of Scholars at the Lanting Pavilion. But it is more commonly known as The Gathering Sculpture.
This artwork’s full name tells a story. It commemorates a legendary drinking contest. This contest resulted in reams of poetry. It is now one of Mia’s most beloved objects.
The Gathering Sculpture was carved in 1784. The Qing dynasty emperor Qianlong commissioned this jade boulder. It seems to be the largest piece of historic carved jade outside of China.
The front displays a longer verse. It is the Lan T’ing Su. This translates to “Prelude to the Orchid Pavilion”. Wang Hsi-chi composed this famous poem in 353. He may be the greatest calligrapher of the Far East.
The jade carving illustrates the occasion for the poem. It depicts a literary gathering of poets and scholars. Wang organized it at Lan-t’ing, the Orchid Pavilion. This was at the foot of Mt. Hui-chi. Several literati can be seen. They are writing, drinking wine, and collating texts near the Orchid Pavilion.
Originally built in 1988 as a conservatory, the Cowles Pavilion was renovated. The renovation was part of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden reconstruction project. This allowed for more flexible uses. These uses are more ecologically sustainable and energy-efficient.
The facility has a large main square. Wings extend to the north and south. Large tables with benches are available. They invite picnics and gatherings. The space is flexible. It can accommodate many uses and activities.
Once upon a time, around 1915, this 640-pound sculpture served as a table centerpiece. T.B. Walker owned the table. He also owned the jade mountain.
Herbert Squires brought the boulder home with him to the United States. He was the Secretary of the U.S. Delegation to Peking around the turn of the century. It remains the largest jade carving outside of China.
When Squires died in 1912, the carving went up for auction. Walker bought it for $4,000. Walker had enough art and curiosities to start two museums. These ranged from Old Masters to Chinese jades. He even had the death mask of Abraham Lincoln.
Before Mia was built in 1915, Walker began Minnesota’s first real art gallery. It was in his own home. There were 14 rooms full of art. One salon was just for jade.
The mountain eventually came to Mia. This happened as the Walker Art Center turned to modern and contemporary art. It lent or sold off Walker’s older works. In 2014, the mountain returned to its Lowry Hill digs. This was for the Walker’s 75th anniversary celebration. It came back to Mia the following year. This was for the museum’s 100th anniversary.
So here stands The Gathering Sculpture. It is a testament to art, history, and the gatherings of great minds. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty and its rich story.