H x W (image): 139.6 x 48.9 cm (54 15/16 x 19 1/4 in)
Type:
Painting
Origin:
China
Date:
ca. 1670
Period:
Qing dynasty
Description:
Bian Yongyu depicts Wang Shilu under a willow tree. He is at leisure with a feathered fan in one hand and a wine cup in the other. His robes lay loose across his chest and a serving-boy is at the ready to refill his master's cup. Another young servant snoozes while hiding in front of a rock. In the background, four cranes fly to their freedom against a backdrop of a mountain peak. A lotus-studded stream meanders from the foreground into the distance. The painting has heavy, bright pigments.
(Stephen D. Allee, 1995) Outside label, in x script: Bian Lingzhi hui Wang Xiqiao liuyin fanghe tu zhizhu; guiyou dahan hou sanri, Youhuilu chongzhuang (Wang Xiqiao releasing cranes in the shade of a willow, hanging scroll painted by Bian Lingzhi; remounted at/by Youhuiliu [?], three days after 'great cold' in the guiyou year [ca. late January, 1814/1874/1934?]); no signature or seals.
Artist's title, one column in seal script: Xiqiao xiansheng liuyin fanghe tu (Master Xiqiao releasing cranes in the shade of a willow).
Artist's signature, in standard script: Menren Bian Yongyu jin hui (respectfully painted by your pupil, Bian Yongyu).
Collection:
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Exhibition History:
Facing East: Portraits from Asia (July 1 to September 4, 2006)
In Human Form: Images of the Secular and Divine in Chinese Painting (January 31, 1996 to January 7, 1997)
