Paintings: Pre 1900

 1884 - Lanting gathering

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PRICE : $950  

ARTIST :
Beside the lengthy inscription are the artist's signature and seals. The seals remain unread whilst the signature reads Ryoen. No further information has been forthcoming.

AGE :
dated the 17th year of the Meiji period, 1884.

SIZE :
The scroll measures 77.5 by 19'' (197 by 49 cm). The image measures 42 by 14'' (107 by 35.5 cm).

DESCRIPTION :
Exceptionally detailed and diverse brushwork, particularly of the foliage is a feature of this Meiji period bunjinga painting. The scene is representative of the famed 'Lanting gathering' at the Orchid Pavillion at the foot of Mt. Huiji in Zhejiang province, China. In the spring of the year 353 the renowned calligrapher Wang Xizhi invited 41prominent men to a poetry party. Sitting along the shores of a slowly winding stream, the guests were asked to compose a poem before cups of wine, which had been floated on the stream, were within their reach. The penalty for non-completion of a poem was to drink the wine. The participants managed to create 37 poems on the day.

TECHNIQUE :
ink and color on silk

CONDITION :
The work is in good condition. There are two marks in close proximity of each other toward the lower center of the painting. The original mounting is finished with ivory rollers.