Mountain Landscape in Moonlight

1200s

China, Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279) to Yuan dynasty

(1271–1368)

Medium

hanging scroll; ink on silk

Measurements

Image: 54.3 x 36 cm (21 3/8 x 14 3/16 in.); Overall: 139.6 x 41.4 cm (54 15/16 x 16 5/16 in.)

Credit Line

Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund 1987.37

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Location

Not on view

Description

Painted in modulated monochrome ink washes with dark dots for foliate accents, the anonymous artist successfully suggests the dense atmosphere of a warm summer night. Under a full moon a scholar rides a mule, accompanied by a servant who carries his belongings. The poem inscribed by Chan (Zen) priest Yunfeng Miaogao identifies the figure as the Tang dynasty poet Du Fu 杜甫 (712–770).

Who rides Du [Fu]'s mule:
Through the universe his name resounds.
Chanting poems as he rides off on his mule,
How quickly does he become drunk with Heaven and Earth!