Who painted 狩野元信周辺伯牙鍾子期図|Bo Ya Plays the Qin as Zhong Ziqi Listens?

狩野元信周辺伯牙鍾子期図|Bo Ya Plays the Qin as Zhong Ziqi Listens was painted by Kano Motonobu in 1530s.

Where can I see 狩野元信周辺伯牙鍾子期図|Bo Ya Plays the Qin as Zhong Ziqi Listens?

狩野元信周辺伯牙鍾子期図|Bo Ya Plays the Qin as Zhong Ziqi Listens is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is 狩野元信周辺伯牙鍾子期図|Bo Ya Plays the Qin as Zhong Ziqi Listens?

狩野元信周辺伯牙鍾子期図|Bo Ya Plays the Qin as Zhong Ziqi Listens is associated with Kanō school.

Artwork

狩野元信周辺伯牙鍾子期図|Bo Ya Plays the Qin as Zhong Ziqi Listens

Kano Motonobu , 1534

狩野元信周辺伯牙鍾子期図|Bo Ya Plays the Qin as Zhong Ziqi Listens is an ink painting by the Kanō school artist Kano Motonobu. It dates from 1534 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Technique & Style

No further details regarding specific pigment types, brush handling, mounting materials, or current condition are documented in the available sources.

The work is executed as a hanging scroll using ink and color on paper, a traditional East Asian format that allows the composition to be rolled for storage and display. The painting is classified as a landscape, though its subject matter centers on figures and a musical instrument rather than topographical scenery. Stylistically, it belongs to the Kano school lineage associated with Kano Motonobu, dated to 1534.

The medium and support are consistent with Japanese ink-and-color painting practice of the period, employing paper as the ground for layered ink washes and applied color. No further details regarding specific pigment types, brush handling, mounting materials, or current condition are documented in the available sources.

History & Provenance

The hanging scroll Bo Ya Plays the Qin as Zhong Ziqi Listens is attributed to Kano Motonobu and dated to 1534, as indicated by the artist’s inscription. The work entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is currently held. No documented commission or earlier provenance prior to modern institutional custody is recorded in the available sources.

The hanging scroll titled Bo Ya Plays the Qin as Zhong Ziqi Listens, attributed to the circle of Kano Motonobu and dated 1534, is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The work is classified as a landscape painting executed in ink and color on paper. Created in Japan, the piece depicts figures interacting with a musical instrument within a landscape setting.

While the artwork is currently part of the museum's permanent holdings, the provided sources do not specify a unique accession number or detail any past or future exhibition history for this specific object.

Overview

This hanging scroll, titled Bo Ya Plays the Qin as Zhong Ziqi Listens, is attributed to the circle of Kano Motonobu and dates to approximately 1534. Executed with ink and color on paper, the painting presents a tranquil landscape scene featuring two men. One figure is shown engaged in playing a musical instrument, while the other sits nearby, attentively listening. The composition evokes a sense of quiet contemplation.

Subject & Meaning

The artwork illustrates a classical Chinese narrative celebrating profound friendship and mutual understanding. It portrays the legendary musician Bo Ya playing his qin, an ancient stringed instrument, for his friend Zhong Ziqi. The core of the story lies in Zhong Ziqi's unique ability to comprehend the deeper emotions and intentions embedded within Bo Ya's music, a connection so rare that Bo Ya reportedly broke his qin after Zhong Ziqi's death, believing no one else could truly appreciate his art.