Bamboo, Rocks and Lonely Orchids
1271–1368
Medium
Handscroll; ink on paper
Dimensions
image: 50.9 × 147.8 cm · mounted: 52.4 × 1337.7 cm
Classification
Painting
Department
Chinese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
John L. Severance Fund by exchange
Accession Number
1963.515
Tags
About this artwork
Bamboo and orchids are motifs associated with the virtues of the scholar-official. Bamboo that bends but does not break stands for moral integrity, endurance, and loyalty. Wild, fragrant orchids that bloom in the shadow symbolize modesty and the aura of learnedness. Rocks are often considered to be miniature versions of mountains that form the universe. This monochrome ink painting is brushed on paper in a masterfully calligraphic manner. While the rocks are delineated in chalky, dry strokes sho...