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In the Palace

宮中圖

before 1140

after a work attributed to Zhou Wenju 周文矩

(Chinese, active 942–961)
China, Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279)
Handscroll; ink and light color on silk
Painting: 28.5 x 168.6 cm (11 1/4 x 66 3/8 in.); Overall: 29.7 x 306.1 cm (11 11/16 x 120 1/2 in.)
John L. Severance Fund 1976.1
Location: not on view
Public Domain
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The ladies' elaborate hairstyles, plump figures, and flowing robes are reminiscent of Tang dynasty fashion.

Description

In the Palace depicts 13 ladies of the imperial household, three servants, and six children in fluent baimiao (plain drawing) brushwork, accentuated by color. The women entertain themselves by making music, tending children, and playing with pets. Their elaborate hairstyles, plump figures, and flowing robes are reminiscent of Tang dynasty
fashion.

The scroll illustrates elegant court life and is a direct copy of the original by Zhou Wenju (active 940–75) from Zhenjiang, Jiangsu province. Zhou was employed at the Southern Tang court in Nanjing under Emperor Li Yu (reigned 961–76), a prolific poet.

In the Palace

before 1140

Zhou Wenju

(Chinese, active 942–961)
China, Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279)

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