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"Seventh Month" from the Odes of Bin

豳風，七月

1200s

China, Southern Song dynasty

(1127-1279)
Medium
Handscroll; ink and color on silk
Measurements
Image: 22.5 x 687.2 cm (8 7/8 x 270 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund 1980.187
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

The Odes of Bin appears in the classic Shijing (Book of Poetry), an anthology of more than 300 poems, folk songs, and ceremonial hymns that were originally chanted to music.

Description

According to Confucian thought, the ruler looks after the well-being of his people which involves agricultural activities. Seventh Month from the ancient Odes of Bin in the Shijing (Book of Poetry) describes occupations throughout the year, including plowing, harvesting, hunting, making clothes, and observing rituals.

The earliest illustrations of these Odes accompanied by text were commissioned by Southern Song emperor Gaozong (reigned 1127–1162). As the lower Yangzi delta had become the new seat of government, Gaozong had sets of these illustrations produced by court artists to revive the dynasty and convince the Confucian officialelite of his legitimacy to rule.
A handscroll in muted colors with four panels depicts various outdoor scenes of people with light skin tones. Left to right, people stand at the edge of an open gate surrounding a square house. Next, a group of people, one riding a horse, hold weapons and walk rightward, accompanied by four-legged, gray animals. Next, three people stand among winding, leafy trees. Finally, people sit around looms, a tree rising center of the scene.

"Seventh Month" from the Odes of Bin

1200s

China, Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279)

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