painting; hanging scroll BM-2011-3025.1.1-2

Period:Unknown Production date:19thC(early)
Materials:silk
Technique:painted
Subjects:author/poet food/drink immortal
Dimensions:Height: 188 centimetres (mount) Height: 109.50 centimetres Width: 56 centimetres (mount) Width: 37 centimetres

Description:
Painting, pair of hanging scrolls. The Eight Immortals of the Wine Cup (Li Bai, He Zhizhang, Zhang Xu, Cui Songzhi, Jiao Sui, Li Shizi, Su Jin and Wang Jin) gathered and enjoying various amusements, as described in the poem ‘Eight Immortals of the Wine Cup’ by Du Fu. Ink and light colours on silk. Inscribed, signed and sealed. With paulownia storage box.
IMG


Comments:The figures are painted in a free and humorous style, possibly while the painter himself was slightly inebriated, as was popular practice among literati-style artists. The poetic inscription has been brushed above the painting, across the two scrolls. The paintings appear to have their original mountings and storage box, with documentation of several previous historic owners.