Dwelling among mountains and clouds
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
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
Artwork Details
- 清 倣龔賢 雲山隱居圖 軸
- Title: Dwelling among mountains and clouds
- Artist: Attributed to Gong Xian (Chinese, 1619–1689)
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
- Date: 17th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Hanging scroll; ink on paper
- Dimensions: Image: 10 ft. 8 in. × 44 1/4 in. (325.1 × 112.4 cm)
Overall with mounting: 13 ft. 7 in. × 55 1/4 in. (414 × 140.3 cm)
Overall with knobs: 13 ft. 7 in. × 59 3/4 in. (414 × 151.8 cm) - Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Purchase, The Dillon Fund Gift, 1983
- Object Number: 1983.609
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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Returned to lender
Gong Xian
dated 1671
Gong Xian
1680s
Gong Xian
ca. 1685
Gong Xian
ca. 1679–89
Gong Xian
1688
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