明/清　佚名　傳史道碩　八駿圖　卷|Eight Horses

Art Historical Context

**Eight Horses (八駿圖)** This exquisite handscroll, attributed to the artist Shi Daoshi (with possible ties to the renowned Yuan dynasty master Zhao Mengfu), dates to the Ming (1368–1644) or Qing (16441911) dynasty. anonymously by an unidentified hand, it exemplifies the Chinese tradition of horse painting, a genre celebrating equine grace and power. Rendered in ink and color on silk luxurious medium prized for its luminous sheen and ability to hold delicate washes—the scroll measures an elongated 11 5/8 x 104 1/4 inches, designed to unroll slowly for intimate viewing. Horses held profound cultural symbolism in imperial China, embodying martial prowess, speed, and the emperor's might, often evoking legendary steeds from history or folklore. The "Eight Steeds" motif draws from celebrated Tang dynasty narratives, rendered here with fluid brushwork that captures dynamic motion against sparse landscapes. This technique reflects literati ideals of spontaneity and elegance, bridging Song-Yuan realism with later dynasty refinement. Acquired from A. W. Bahr's collection via the Fletcher Fund in 1947, it now graces the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art department, inviting viewers to ponder the timeless allure of these noble creatures.

About the Artist

Zhao Mengfu|Shi Daoshi · 1254–1322

Chinese, 1254–1322