Picture scroll of Zhang Xuan’s tortoise

[Zhang Gui’s Tortoise Scroll]

The Tortoise Scroll, gold, Zhang Gui’s work, silk, colored, 26.5cm long and 53.3cm horizontal
There are two seals on the top left of the picture, including the title “accompanying Zhang” and the word “drawing”. On the back of the paper, there is an inscription by the Ming Dynasty. The model year is “The 21st year of Chenghua is the autumn and September, and the sun is on the horizon.”. Another inscription by Uncle Qian. Seal “Kuizhang”, “Tian”, “Calendar”, “Xiang Zijing Family Collection” and other appreciation seals
In ancient times, tortoises were auspicious beasts, and were called “Four Spirits” together with Lin, Feng and Long, plus white tigers, also known as “Five Auspicious”. A turtle is painted on the beach near the water at the bottom right of the picture. It looks up and emits a cloud in its mouth. A red sun appears in the auspicious clouds, with the word “0138” in the sun. The background is the vast water surface and sand dunes, adding a sense of mystery to the picture. The painting is neat and exquisite, and the turtle’s nail pattern is meticulously painted. The composition is simple, the color is beautiful, and the style of painting is close to the courtyard. It is the only copy handed down by Zhang Xuan
Description of Shiqu Treasure Collection, First Edition of the Qing Dynasty.