The Hermit Xu You Resting by a Stream

箕山高隱圖

1400s

Dai Jin 戴进

(Chinese, 1388–1462)

Culture

China, Ming dynasty (1368–1644)

Medium

Hanging scroll; ink and slight color on silk

Measurements

Painting: 138.2 x 75.2 cm (54 7/16 x 29 5/8 in.); Overall with knobs: 232.5 x 96.3 cm (91 9/16 x 37 15/16 in.)

Credit Line

John L. Severance Fund 1974.45

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

When the emperor offered him a post overseeing the Nine Territories (as China was known in ancient times), Xu You went to the River Ying to cleanse his ears from such an unwelcome proposition.

Description

Xu You, a recluse who refused the throne offered to him by legendary Emperor Yao, chose instead to farm on Mount Ji. Sitting under cliffs, his left arm resting on his risen leg and his loose robe revealing his belly, he displays a nonchalant attitude. Xu You is wearing a laborer’s outfit, a short robe and tight leggings, while his composed pose and gentle features reveal his lofty character.

The composition shows rising mountains on the left juxtaposed by open space on the far right. Powerful brushstrokes and nuanced ink washes follow the style of the Southern Song (1127–1279) academy painters.