male figure on horseback in small clearing; female figure coyly standing in front of window in small hut ULQ, near pink blossoming trees; followed by text panel

Encountering, 1839

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This handscroll depicts a romantic scene. The springtime setting features peach blossoms and green willows in the mist. A young man on horseback, seemingly in a hurry, is distracted by a young woman who stands in the window of a thatched hut.

The painting is based on literary sources. Among others, one specific poem by Cui Hu (c. 766–') likely provided inspiration for the artist. The poem, titled “Village at the South of the City,” reads:

This very day last year by this door,
Peach blossoms were in bloom against her blushing cheeks.
But where, pray, is she now, while the peach blossoms
Are still there, smiling in the spring breezes'

(Translated by Shuhui Yang and Yunqin Yang, in Stories to Caution the World: A Ming Dynasty Collection, University of Washington Press, 2005)

Details
Title
Encountering
Artist Life
1801 - 1850
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2014.102
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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male figure on horseback in small clearing; female figure coyly standing in front of window in small hut ULQ, near pink blossoming trees; followed by text panel