Modesty Hexagram from The Classic of Changes

1812

Sun Xingyan

Chinese, 1753-1818

The Classic of Changes (Yijing or I Ching) is a divination manual consisting of 63 hexagrams and explanations. It was compiled around the 9th century BCE for influencing the “powerful dead”: gods, spirits, and ancestors. By learning about the Dao (the Way) and the laws of change caused by yin and yang interacting, one could avert bad decisions or escape misfortune.

Ink on paper

Overall: 11 5/8 x 12 13/16 x 1 1/16 in. (closed album)

Gift of Judith G. and F. Randall Smith in honor of Mimi Gardner Gates

96.105

Provenance: F. Randall and Judith Smith

Photo: Elizabeth Mann

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Boundless: Stories of Asian Art, Feb. 8, 2020 - ongoing [on view Feb. 8, 2020 - Dec. 5, 2021].

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