Playing the Ruan

Fu Baoshi Chinese
dated 1945
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
Here, three women listen intently to the strains of a lute-like ruan. Their pensive expressions, leaning poses, and tight-knit triangular grouping reflect the art and theories of the Eastern Jin master Gu Kaizhi (ca. 345–406), who advocated “capturing the spirit through the form.” Fu’s fluid, curving brushlines also capture something of Gu’s musical “iron wire” draftsmanship.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Playing the Ruan
  • Artist: Fu Baoshi (Chinese, 1904–1965)
  • Date: dated 1945
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper
  • Dimensions: Image: 38 11/16 x 18 13/16 in. (98.2 x 47.8 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Lent by Nanjing Museum
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art