Visiting Friends with a Qin

Maker Zhu Lunhan (Chinese, 1680–1760)

Artist Lun-han, Zhu

Artist Han-chai

Artist I-hsien

Artist I-san

Date18th century

MediumHanging scroll: finger painted with ink and colors on paper

DimensionsImage: 46 1/2 x 19 inches (118.1 x 48.3 cm)

CultureChina

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LineGeorge and Mary Rockwell Collection

Terms

Paintings
Scroll
Colors
finger painting
Hanging scroll
Ink
Animals
Autumn
Birds
Bodies of water
Donkeys
Men
Musical instruments
Qin
Scholars
Seasons
Servants
Straw hats
Streams
Trees
Zithers
Paper
Chinese

Object number69.015

Label CopyThis painting depicts a scholar on his way to visiting a friend and accompanied by his servant carrying a zither-like qin. A poem of the same title by Gao Qi (1336-1374), which was originally inscribed on a painting, seems to be illustrated here: Solitary rider, solitary qin He breathes mist to enter gully shade. That he should seek so far, Sir, marvel not: In the city there are few who know his music The poem refers to the association of the qin with the recluse scholar and a traditional belief that only the refined mind of a sage can truly appreciate its music. This image is rendered in the loose, free style of finger (and fingernail) painting, a technique that flourished in China in the early 18th century. Zhu Lunhan, a descendant of the Ming imperial family, learned finger painting from his uncle, the artist Gao Qipei (1672-1734). For this method, the artist grew a fingernail until it curved sufficiently to be used as a reservoir for ink. Zhu also served as a painter at the court of the emperor Qianlong (reigned 1736-95). The conservation and re-mounting of this scroll was funded by a grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services, an independent Federal grant-making agency dedicated to creating and sustaining a nation of learners by helping libraries and museums serve their communities. Additional support was provided by Joseph Biancalana.

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