Untitled

Qian Gong

dated 1607 · Handscroll; ink wash on silk brocade · Asian Art

Qian Gong worked in Suzhou in the waning years of the Ming dynasty. His depiction of the Gathering at the Orchid Pavilion is unusual in that it is painted on figured damask, silk woven with a pictorial pattern. This type of support is rarely used for paintings because the dueling images of the silk ground and the painting can be difficult for the eye to parse. This piece of silk must have been particularly treasured, as Qian notes in his signature that the painting’s recipient made a special request for him to paint on it.

Artist

Qian Gong

Date

dated 1607

Medium

Handscroll; ink wash on silk brocade

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Harry Shupak, 1953