明 倣董其昌 行書節錄陶潛《歸去來辭》 扇頁|Passage from Tao Qian's "Returning Home"
Dong Qichang
Date unknown · Folding fan mounted as an album leaf; ink on gold paper · Asian Art
Court politics caused Dong Qichang to retire from office three times during his government career. This fan conveys Dong's eloquent response to political intrigue. Quoting a passage from the recluse-poet Tao Qian's (365-427) Returning Home, Dong's spacious and graceful calligraphy reflects his ability to rise above worldly affairs: Then I catch sight of my cottage, filled with joy I run. The servant boy comes to welcome me my little son waits at the door. The three paths are almost obliterated but pines and chrysanthemums are still here. Leading the children by the hand I enter my house where there is a bottle filled with wine. I draw the bottle to me and pour myself a cup; Seeing the trees in the courtyard brings joy to my face. I lean on the south window and let my pride expand, I consider how easy it is to be content with a little space. Every day I stroll in the garden for pleasure, There is a gate there, but it is always shut. (James Robert Hightower, trans.)
- Artist
- Dong Qichang
- Date
- Date unknown
- Medium
- Folding fan mounted as an album leaf; ink on gold paper
- Culture
- China
- Department
- Asian Art
- Credit line
- Bequest of John M. Crawford Jr., 1988
