Crane and Pine

Detail of a pattern
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At A Glance

  • Period

    ca. 1500
  • Geography

    China
  • Material

    Hanging scroll mounted on panel; ink and color on silk
  • Dimension

    H x W (image): 153.5 x 94.2 cm (60 7/16 x 37 1/16 in)
  • Accession Number

    F1911.273
  • EDAN ID

    edanmdm:fsg_F1911.273

Object Details

  • Artist

    Formerly attributed to Zhao Yong 趙雍 (1291-1361)
  • School/Tradition

    Zhe School
  • Label

    Manchurian cranes, with their elegant and dignified carriage, were treasured and raised as pets in China and often associated with mythical beings; eventually they became known as "immortal birds." Images of cranes and pines are immediately recognizable symbols of longevity, and, when presented together, convey wishes for a happy marriage. As a group, the pine, plum blossoms, and bamboo form the "Three Friends of Winter," a collective symbol of the lofty scholar's moral character. This finely detailed ornamental painting typifies the professional Ming paintings that decorated reception halls in the houses of the elite.
  • Provenance

    To 1911
    Yung Go, China, to 1911 [1]
    From 1911 to 1919
    Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919), purchased from Yung Go in 1911 [2]
    From 1920
    Freer Gallery of Art, gift of Charles Lang Freer in 1920 [3]
    Notes:
    [1] See Original Kakemono and Makimono List, L. 837, Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Archives.
    [2] See note 1.
    [3] The original deed of Charles Lang Freer's gift was signed in 1906. The collection was received in 1920 upon the completion of the Freer Gallery.
  • Collection

    Freer Gallery of Art Collection
  • Exhibition History

    Winged Spirits: Birds in Chinese Painting (February 11 to August 5, 2012)
    Beyond Brushwork: Symbolism in Chinese Painting (April 29 to November 26, 2006)
    Chinese Art (May 9 to November 29, 1993)
    On Becoming Immortal (May 9, 1993 to August 15, 1994)
    Chinese Bird and Flower Painting (January 27, 1986 to June 30, 1986)
  • Previous custodian or owner

    Yung Go (C.L. Freer source)
    Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919)
  • Origin

    China
  • Credit Line

    Gift of Charles Lang Freer
  • Type

    Painting
  • Restrictions and Rights

    Usage Conditions Apply

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