Detail View: National Palace English: Returning Late from a Spring Outing

Work ID: 
M01E00108
Title: 
Returning Late from a Spring Outing
Creation Date: 
Ming Dynasty
Start Year Date: 
A.D.1368
End Year Date: 
A.D.1644
Dynasty: 
45 Ming Dynasty (A.D. 1368~1644)
Creator: 
Qiu Ying
Creation Place: 
China
Measurements: 
145.5 x 76.5 cm
Material: 
Ink and color on silk
Form: 
Li-zhou (hanging scroll)
Type: 
Painting
Subject: 
Figure
Repository: 
The National Palace Museum, Taipei
Description: 
In the midst of the deep green, indistinct colors of dusk, a master and his servants-altogether four people-return from a satisfying spring outing. One servant stands in front with a cane knocking on the door. The master rides a horse, hastening the two servants who follow behind. One carries books and wine on a shoulder pole, while another bringing a qin zither looks back to hear some words. The figures' expressions and gestures are depicted in a lively and convincing matter. The rocky bank in the front is rendered with axe-cut brushstrokes. For the willows beside the gate, Qiu Ying has used vegetable green pigments to apply brushstrokes in the shape of the characters "ge" and "jie" (like an inverted letter "v" with a stem) layered one atop the other for willow leaves. His elegant application of colors and a detailed, refined brushwork both spring from Song Dynasty painting methods.
ImageV ID: 
M01E00108AS002
Rights: 
Lee & Lee Communications