Crane and Pine

Maker(s)
Artist: Formerly attributed to Zhao Yong 趙雍 (1291-1361)
Historical period(s)
Ming dynasty, ca. 1500
School
Zhe School
Medium
Hanging scroll mounted on panel; ink and color on silk
Dimensions
H x W (image): 153.5 x 94.2 cm (60 7/16 x 37 1/16 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
Gift of Charles Lang Freer
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1911.273
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Painting
Type

Hanging scroll (mounted on panel)

Keywords
bamboo, China, crane, Ming dynasty (1368 - 1644), pine tree, plum blossom
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
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.

Published References
  • Louise Allison Cort, Jan Stuart, Laurence Chi-Sing Tam. Joined Colors: Decoration and Meaning in Chinese Porcelain : Ceramics from Collectors in the Min Chiu Society, Hong Kong. Exh. cat. Washington and Hong Kong, 1993. p. 52, fig. 6.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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