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In the Palace
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<em>In the Palace</em> depicts 13 ladies of the imperial household, three servants, and six children in fluent <em>baimiao</em> (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 <br>fashion. <br><br>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.
| Artist / Maker | Zhou Wenju |
|---|---|
| Date | before 1140 |
| Culture / Origin | China, Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279) |
| Medium | Handscroll; ink and light color on silk |
| Dimensions | Painting: 28.5 x 168.6 cm (11 1/4 x 66 3/8 in.); Overall: 29.7 x 306.1 cm (11 11/16 x 120 1/2 in.) |
| Department | Chinese Art |
| Type | Painting |
About the Artist
Zhou Wenju (Chinese, active 942–961) Full biography →
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
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