Homage to a Strange Rock
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.Rocks in extraordinary shapes—appreciated as miniature mountains—have been treasured by Chinese people since the Tang dynasty (618–907) and have inspired numerous pictorial and literary compositions. The rock in this painting, with its twisted body and multiple perforations, embodies the vitality of nature outlasting the ravages of time.
It is no wonder that the owner of this painting traveled around to share it with friends and invite their comments, as the dozens of enthusiastic inscriptions around the image demonstrate. Each inscription reveals a different social encounter and a unique personality. Some also provide a glimpse into the urban gardens where the meetings took place.
It is no wonder that the owner of this painting traveled around to share it with friends and invite their comments, as the dozens of enthusiastic inscriptions around the image demonstrate. Each inscription reveals a different social encounter and a unique personality. Some also provide a glimpse into the urban gardens where the meetings took place.
Artwork Details
- 明 藍瑛 奇石供圖 軸
- Title: Homage to a Strange Rock
- Artist: Lan Ying (Chinese, 1585–1664)
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
- Date: dated 1654
- Culture: China
- Medium: Hanging scroll; ink on silk
- Dimensions: 63 × 26 3/16 in. (160 × 66.5 cm)
Rolled: 2 3/4 × 37 1/4 × 2 1/2 in. (7 × 94.6 × 6.4 cm) - Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Promised Gift of Julia and John Curtis, in celebration of the Museum’s 150th Anniversary
- Object Number: L.2017.53.1
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art