Wang Shilu Releasing Cranes in the Shade of a Willow

Detail of a pattern
Image 1 of 2
IIIF

Terms of Use

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At A Glance

  • Period

    ca. 1670
  • Geography

    China
  • Material

    Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk
  • Dimension

    H x W (image): 139.6 x 48.9 cm (54 15/16 x 19 1/4 in)
  • Accession Number

    F1989.60
  • EDAN ID

    edanmdm:fsg_F1989.60

Object Details

  • Artist

    Bian Yongyu (1645-1712)
  • 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.
    Outside label: inscription: title; signature; seals (one).
  • Signatures

    Signature on outside label
  • Marks

    One seal
  • Inscriptions

    (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)
  • Origin

    China
  • Credit Line

    Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
  • Type

    Painting
  • Restrictions and Rights

    Usage Conditions Apply

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