Wang Shilu Releasing Cranes in the Shade of a Willow

Detail of a pattern
Image 1 of 2
IIIF

Terms of Use

Usage Conditions Apply

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).
  • Origin

    China
  • Credit Line

    Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
  • Type

    Painting
  • Restrictions and Rights

    Usage Conditions Apply

    There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

    The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The National Museum of Asian Art welcomes information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

Keep Exploring