清 石濤 (朱若極) 秋林人醉圖 軸 紙本|Drunk in Autumn Woods

Shitao (Zhu Ruoji)

ca. 1702 · Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper · Asian Art

Exploring the theme of intoxication, Shitao makes us reel with the unsteadiness of his figures and landscape. He probably created this picture to commemorate an autumn outing in the hills with friends. The three inscriptions testify to the pleasure and pride that Shitao took in his achievement; they make it clear that the exhilaration experienced by the friends was inspired by nature, poetry, conviviality, and creativity as well as wine. In an instant, mists and clouds can return to their primeval form; Red trees fill the skies, spreading fire through the heavens. I invite you, sir, to get very drunk on my black brushstrokes; Lie down and watch the frosted forest as falling leaves swirl.

Artist

Shitao (Zhu Ruoji)

Date

ca. 1702

Medium

Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of John M. Crawford Jr., 1987