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A Beauty at the Window by a Plum Tree

Yu Ming Chinese
dated 1928
Not on view
A poem by Yu Ming's uncle, the poet Yu Yuan inspired this wistful, delicate painting:

Light frost nibbles the hibiscus bit by bit.
How many times has autumn come to the
silvered room screen?
There is an oath-mark on her jade arm and
traces of scent below her neck.
The center of the banana tree harbors as
many layers as a melancholy heart.

[Trans. adapted from Ellsworth et al., Later Chinese Painting]

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 清/現代 俞明 梅窗仕女圖 軸
  • Title: A Beauty at the Window by a Plum Tree
  • Artist: Yu Ming (Chinese, 1884–1935)
  • Date: dated 1928
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper
  • Dimensions: 36 3/4 x 16 7/8 in. (93.4 x 42.9 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Gift of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, in memory of La Ferne Hatfield Ellsworth, 1986
  • Object Number: 1986.267.148
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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