Playing the Qin in a Secluded Valley

幽壑鳴琴圖

1548

imitator of Wen Zhengming 文徵明

(Chinese, 1470–1559)

Culture

China, Ming dynasty (1368–1644)

Medium

hanging scroll; ink and light color on paper

Measurements

Overall: 132 x 50.5 cm (51 15/16 x 19 7/8 in.)

Credit Line

John L. Severance Fund 1969.60

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

In paintings, Chinese literati often play the instrument in a landscape setting, as the sound of the qin symbolizes harmony between man and nature.

Description

The poem inscribed in this painting reads: "Ten thousand layered lofty mountains are presented to the cultivated eye, A thousand feet of cascading falls cleanse the dusty heart. May the harmonies of my red-stringed tune Be the humble answer to the pine wind's ancient song." Different versions of this painting exist. Scholars have suggested that the solid renderings of the rock masses and the volumetric mountain configurations as seen here appear more characteristic of Lu Zhi 陸治 (1496–1576), Wen Zhengming's pupil.