Figures from Chinese History: Zhang Tianqi Calling in the Cranes / Huang Shen

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Record Details

Accession Number
1983/2.158
Title
Figures from Chinese History: Zhang Tianqi Calling in the Cranes
Artist
Huang Shen
Artist Nationality
Chinese
Artist Life Dates
1687-1766
Object Creation Date
1687-1766
Object Creation Place
Asia (continent)
China (nation)
Fujian (province)
Creation Place 1
Asia (continent)
Creation Place 2
China (nation)
Creation Place 3
Fujian (province)
Inscription
Artist's inscription
Dimensions
28.7 cm x 34.4 cm (11 5/16 in. x 13 9/16 in.)
Century
18th century
Primary Object Classification
Painting
Primary Object Type
album leaf
Secondary Object Classification
Painting
Secondary Object Type
historical
Physical Description
Paper mounted on aqua silk. There are two figures present, and a large crane (bird). The central figure, Zhang Tiangi, has his arms uplifted, while a less important figure is depicted with his back to the viewer and is slightly hunched over. There is a crane with a red crown behind these two figures. The colors are muted. There is calligraphy in the upper left hand corner of the painting, complete with two red seals.
Subject Matter
These two album leaves are from a series by Huang Shen, known as one of the Eight Eccentric Painters of Yangzhou, a group of highly individualistic artists active in this prosperous metropolis in southern China. Here the artist uses his skill in detailed execution to render the accomplishments of two unique individuals.
The painting on the right depicts Zhang Tianqi, a hermit who lived during the Northern Song dynasty (960–1126) and kept two pet cranes. In the morning he would release the birds from their cages to soar above the ravines and at dusk they would always return. The intimate rapport between the hermit and the cranes is emblematic of his deep connection with nature.
Rights
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Technical Details

Image Size
1039 x 973
File Size
106 KB
Record
1983/2.158
Link to this Item
https://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/musart/x-1983-sl-2.158/1983_2.158.jpg

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https://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/i/image/api/manifest/musart:1983-SL-2.158:1983_2.158.JPG

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"Figures from Chinese History: Zhang Tianqi Calling in the Cranes; Huang Shen." In the digital collection University of Michigan Museum of Art. https://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/musart/x-1983-sl-2.158/1983_2.158.jpg. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed March 29, 2024.
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