China, Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279) / before 1140
In the Palace
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs In the Palace as painting (China, Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279) · before 1140).
The ladies' elaborate hairstyles, plump figures, and flowing robes are reminiscent of Tang dynasty fashion.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this painting as Handscroll; ink and light color on silk and credits Zhou Wenju (Chinese, active 942–961).
The museum's collection notes: In the Palace depicts 13 ladies of the imperial household, three servants, and six children in fluent baimiao (plain drawing) brushwork, accentuated by color. The women entertain themselves by making music, tending children, and playing with pets. Their elaborate hairstyles, plump figures, and flowing robes are reminiscent of Tang dynasty fashion. The scroll illustrates elegant court life and is a direct copy of the original by Zhou Wenju (active 940–75) from Zhenjiang, Jiangsu province. Zhou was employed at the Southern Tang court in Nanjing under Emperor Li Yu (reigned 961–76), a prolific poet.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtIn the PalaceOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.