南宋 馬遠 月下賞梅圖 團扇|Viewing plum blossoms by moonlight

About this artwork

Viewing plum blossoms by moonlight is a paintings by Chinese artist Ma Yuan, created in early 13th century. The work was created using fan mounted as an album leaf; ink and color on silk. It measures Image: 9 7/8 × 10 1/2 in. (25.1 × 26.7 cm). This piece represents the artistic traditions of China, Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279), embodying the aesthetic values and technical expertise of its makers. The painting showcases the artistic techniques and aesthetic sensibilities of its era, reflecti...

Art Historical Context

In the tranquil glow of moonlight, Ma Yuan's *Viewing Plum Blossoms by Moonlight* (early 13th century) captures a poetic moment from China's Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279). This intimate scene, featuring elegant figures amid blossoming plum trees, reflects the refined tastes of the imperial court after its relocation south following the Jurchen invasion. Ma Yuan, a painter at the Hangzhou academy, exemplifies the era's shift toward subtle, evocative landscapes that evoke solitude and harmony with nature. Painted in ink and color on silk as a fan mounted as an album leaf—measuring just 9⅞ × 10½ inches—this work highlights the Southern Song's innovative use of portable, personal formats. Fans allowed artists to experiment with asymmetrical compositions and delicate washes, creating a sense of boundless space within a small frame. The moonlit plums, symbols of endurance and purity in Chinese culture, underscore themes of quiet appreciation amid seasonal change. Now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art department, thanks to a 1986 gift from John M. Crawford Jr. in honor of Alfreda Murck, this gem preserves the technical brilliance and aesthetic sensibility of Song painting, inviting visitors to savor its timeless serenity.