| Why
are red stamps placed all over this painting?
Collectors'
seals became such an integral part of the appreciation
of paintings that they often competed with the image itself—filling up all
of the available space in the composition. Some collectors, particularly Emperor
Qianlong (r. 1736–95), who inscribed this handscroll four times (a portion
of one of his inscriptions is visible in the upper left corner of this detail),
are now considered excessive in their use of seals and inscriptions.
In spite of the seals,
we can still see the beauty of the original painting. This prized imperial horse
represents one of the admired Arabian and Central Asian warhorses sent to China
along the extensive Tang dynasty trade routes. Often given as tribute gifts to
the emperor by distant rulers, these horses symbolized the respect and loyalty
commanded by the reigning Chinese ruler. Tethered
to a post, the wild eyes, flaring nostrils, flying mane, and prancing hooves radiate
the fiery temperament of this stallion. In a technique known as baihua,
or "white painting," the artist's thick and thin modulated brush line,
with small touches of ink shading along its contours, not only defines this steed's
powerful, muscular body, but also captures its untamed beauty. Next
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