Dwelling among mountains and clouds

Attributed to Gong Xian Chinese

Not on view

Some scholars have questioned the authenticity of this monumental painting attributed to Gong Xian, who is better known for smaller works and more precise application of ink. Whether by the artist or a follower, the work eloquently expresses the ideal of the scholar’s rustic retreat in both image and verse. The poem reads:

Where I dwell white clouds often crowd;
But only deer travel my just-opened mountain path.
How wonderful to bring wine up to the pavilion;
Letting go a pure song in the shadows of the setting sun.
—trans. by Maxwell K. Hearn

Dwelling among mountains and clouds, Attributed to Gong Xian (Chinese, 1619–1689), Hanging scroll; ink on paper, China

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