Artwork
Album of Calligraphy and Paintings
Album of Calligraphy and Paintings is an unspecified painting by the Qing dynasty painting artist Bian Shoumin. It dates from 1726 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
History & Provenance
The Album of Calligraphy and Paintings, created by Bian Shoumin in 1726, is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art in Cleveland.
The Album of Calligraphy and Paintings by Bian Shoumin is dated 1726, aligning with the artist’s mature period.
The work entered the Cleveland Museum of Art in 1999 as part of an accessioned collection, where it remains held. Its creation in China is consistent with Bian Shoumin’s documented activity during the Qing dynasty.
The Album of Calligraphy and Paintings, created by Bian Shoumin in 1726, is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art in Cleveland. The work is cataloged under the accession number 1999.260. No specific exhibition history is recorded in the provided sources.
Overview
Created in 1726 by the Qing‑dynasty artist Bian Shoumin, this album page consists of a single wooden panel now in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The surface is a smooth, golden‑brown board that retains its natural grain and occasional fine cracks, indicating the original material has been preserved.
Subject & Meaning
A vertical band of black ink runs down the right side of the panel, bearing a line of Chinese characters rendered in a disciplined, calligraphic hand. The inscription appears to be a poetic verse or title, a common feature of calligraphic albums that combine literary and visual elements. A small red seal and a white label marked "20" identify the piece within the larger compilation.
Technique & Style
The work demonstrates Bian Shoumin’s precise brushwork, using a controlled, flowing stroke to produce the characters against the warm wooden background. The contrast between the deep black ink and the golden‑brown panel highlights the artist’s mastery of tonal balance. The red seal, applied with a stamp, adds a customary layer of authentication and artistic flourish.
Context
Bian Shoumin was known for his literati paintings and calligraphy, often producing works that blended poetry, painting, and seal carving. This album page reflects the Qing‑era practice of compiling multiple artworks into a single bound collection, allowing scholars and connoisseurs to study a range of artistic expressions within one volume.
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