明 唐寅 墨竹圖 卷|Ink bamboo

Tang Yin

early 16th century · Handscroll; ink on paper · Asian Art

A branch of bamboo stretches across this handscroll, its dangling leaves framing a poem inscribed by the artist. The verse reveals that the scene was observed by moonlight after the artist had awoken from a tipsy nap: The moon sinks low in the fourth watch, paper windows seem empty, Stirring from a drunken sleep, I prop my head and read awhile, Lofty thoughts—I force myself, but can’t help it; Ten stalks, still green in winter, cast profuse shadows. —Translation after Marc F. Wilson and Kwan S. Wong

Artist

Tang Yin

Date

early 16th century

Medium

Handscroll; ink on paper

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Bequest of John M. Crawford Jr., 1988