Sheep and herd boy
Under a pair of willow trees, eighteen sheep spread across a summer meadow, some munching on grass, some nursing, others relaxing. While they rest, the young shepherd climbs one of the willows in pursuit of the contents of a bird’s nest. The overall tone is highly auspicious: the number eighteen suggests prosperity, while the mothers with children point to a wish for many offspring. The symbolism would have made this a suitable gift, particularly in the Year of the Ram.
Artwork Details
- 元末明初 佚名牧羊圖團扇頁 絹本設色
- Title: Sheep and herd boy
- Artist: Unidentified artist
- Period: late Yuan (1271–1368)–early Ming (1368–1644) dynasty
- Date: 14th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Fan mounted as an album leaf; ink and color on silk
- Dimensions: 9 1/2 x 9 3/4 in. (24.1 x 24.8 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: John Stewart Kennedy Fund, 1913
- Object Number: 13.100.101
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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