The Seven Sages of the Bamboo were a group of Chinese scholars, writers, and musicians. Because some of them wrote poems criticizing the court and the administration, their lives were in constant danger. The seven sages were Ji Kang, Liu Ling, Ruan Ji, Xiang Xiu, Wang Rong, Ruan Xian and Shan Tao. The sages wished to escape the intrigues, corruption and stifling atmosphere of court life during the Three Kingdoms period (220 - 280 AD) and gathered in a Bamboo Grove near the house of Ji Kang in Shanyang (now in Henan province) where they enjoyed, and praised the simple and rustic life in their works. The group inspired other artists who wished to retreat during times of political upheavals. This miniature object was carved using the kernel of a Chinese ‘gânlan’ fruit which is a very hard material. It dates from the last quarter of the 20th century. Length 3.3 cm. Diameter 1.7 cm.