China, Yuan dynasty (1271–1368) / 1271–1368
Bamboo, Rocks, and Lonely Orchids
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Bamboo, Rocks, and Lonely Orchids as painting (China, Yuan dynasty (1271–1368) · 1271–1368).
One of the many inscriptions records that the handscroll was last remounted by Xu Shudong 徐曙東 of Jiaxing 嘉興 in 1802.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this painting as Handscroll; ink on paper and credits Zhao Mengfu (Chinese, 1254–1322).
The museum's collection notes: Bamboo and orchids are motifs associated with the virtues of the scholar-official. Bamboo that bends but does not break stands for moral integrity, endurance, and loyalty. Wild, fragrant orchids that bloom in the shadow symbolize modesty and the aura of learnedness. Rocks are often considered to be miniature versions of mountains that form the universe. This monochrome ink painting is brushed on paper in a masterfully calligraphic manner. While the rocks are delineated in chalky, dry strokes showing the effect of flying white ( feibai ), the bamboo and orchids are drawn with a swift brush demonstrating the virtuosity of the artist.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtBamboo, Rocks, and Lonely OrchidsOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.