Tao Qian

The calligraphy on one line is a line of poetry, The other is a statement by the artist that he did this in the style of Tang Yin. The image is a pine tree under which Tao Qian is resting/waiting. His attendant is carrying a qin with no strings to set before him. The romantic image of the reclusive scholar, free of the intrigue of court life, is thought of as in an idyllic environment, such as a mountainous landscape basically alone and accompanied by the diversions of the scholars’ class. The painting is a very forthright and dexterously painted image.

Tao Yuanming, also known as Tao Qian was a Chinese poet of the Six Dynasties poetic period (ca. 220 – 589 CE). Generally regarded as the greatest poet during the centuries between the Han and Tang dynasties. He was famous for playing the qin without strings. In this painting we see an attendant bringing this qin to him. He also looks longingly into the distance, perhaps waiting for his delivery of wine (which is also part of the famous legend about him).

陶潜。史文江。晚明（17世纪）。设色纸本立轴。