Crippled Zhang Meets Hunchback Li, early 17th century
Cao Xiexpand_more
Ink on paperexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 2007.6.3
Not on Viewexpand_more
Two lively wise men are shown here engaging in expressive conversation under a drooping pine tree. The inscription, however, adds a layer of political commentary to this work, which was executed around the time of the collapse of the increasingly corrupt Ming court, resulting in the Manchu takeover in 1644. The poem implies that the men, whose bodies are bent, have better characters (i.e., stand straighter) than those in the corrupt court. It reads:
Crippled Zhang, carrying dishes of food, off to visit kin,
meets hunchbacked Li along the way, and
exchanges words of wisdom with him.
The two men clap their hands in glee,
and laugh out loud: Ha, ha!
Nowhere in this world is there a man
who stands quite straight!
Details
- Title
- Crippled Zhang Meets Hunchback Li
- Artist Life
- active 1600 - 1637
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2007.6.3
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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