Gathering at the Orchid Pavilion

Qian Gong Chinese

Not on view

Qian Gong worked in Suzhou in the waning years of the Ming dynasty. His depiction of the Gathering at the Orchid Pavilion is unusual in that it is painted on figured damask, silk woven with a pictorial pattern. This type of support is rarely used for paintings because the dueling images of the silk ground and the painting can be difficult for the eye to parse. This piece of silk must have been particularly treasured, as Qian notes in his signature that the painting’s recipient made a special request for him to paint on it.

Gathering at the Orchid Pavilion, Qian Gong (Chinese, active 1573–1619), Handscroll; ink on figured damask, China

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