Crane and Pine

Terms of Use
Usage Conditions ApplyAt A Glance
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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
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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 1911Yung Go, China, to 1911 [1]From 1911 to 1919Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919), purchased from Yung Go in 1911 [2]From 1920Freer 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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