male figures and attendants in a lush landscape with water and buildings; text at front (partially on mount) and back

The Gathering at Orchid Pavilion, 1581

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Ink on silkexpand_more

Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more  2002.4.2

This meticulously painted handscroll begins from the right with a riverbank scene of several gentlemen walking along the zigzagging pass. Their destination and purpose is clarified by the gathering depicted farther left, where powerful cedars and sweeping pines grow along a stream. The scene depicted here is the famous story of Wang Xizhi (321–379), the great calligrapher who in 344 gathered his friends at Lanting, or Orchid Pavilion, at the present-day Shaoxing in Zhejiang province. The baimiao, or fine-line, style of painting seen here was a specialty of the Suzhou artist You Qiu. Like those of his teacher Qiu Ying (c. 1494–1552), You’s works embody the ideals of balance, emotional reserve, and high technical proficiency.

Details
Title
The Gathering at Orchid Pavilion
Artist Life
paintings dated 1554 - 1587
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2002.4.2
Curator Approved

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male figures and attendants in a lush landscape with water and buildings; text at front (partially on mount) and back