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Artwork

Bamboo and Ducks by a Rushing Stream

Ma Yuan , 1203

Bamboo and Ducks by a Rushing Stream, by Ma Yuan, unspecified, 1203
Bamboo and Ducks by a Rushing Stream, by Ma Yuan, unspecified, 1203

Bamboo and Ducks by a Rushing Stream is an unspecified painting by the Song dynasty landscape artist Ma Yuan. It dates from 1203 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
1967.145
Credit line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund

About this work

Overview

Bamboo and Ducks by a Rushing Stream is a 1203 painting by Ma Yuan, a prominent Song dynasty artist. It embodies the refined landscape style of its time, capturing a serene natural moment.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays a tranquil scene of bamboo, ducks, and a winding stream with a small building in the background, evoking the harmony between nature and human presence.

Technique & Style

Ma Yuan employed simple, expressive lines and subdued colors to convey the dynamism of the stream and foliage. Loose yet controlled brushstrokes achieve a peaceful, natural ambiance.

History & Provenance

Created in 1203, this work is a key example of Ma Yuan's contribution to the Ma-Xia school of painting, though its ownership history before its current location is not detailed here.

Context

As a Song dynasty piece, it reflects the period's landscape traditions, emphasizing serenity and the balance between natural elements and subtle human presence.

Legacy

Bamboo and Ducks by a Rushing Stream remains a significant example of Song dynasty art, influencing subsequent Chinese landscape painting with its understated elegance and compositional harmony.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Ma Yuan

Artist

Ma Yuan

Ma Yuan (Chinese: 馬遠; pinyin: Mǎ Yuǎn; Wade–Giles: Ma Yüan; c. 1160–65 – 1225) was a Chinese painter of the Song dynasty. His works, together with that of Xia Gui, formed the basis of the so-called Ma-Xia (馬夏) school of…

MORE BY MA YUAN

VISUALLY SIMILAR

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Bamboo and Ducks by a Rushing Stream?

Bamboo and Ducks by a Rushing Stream was painted by Ma Yuan in 1203.

Where can I see Bamboo and Ducks by a Rushing Stream?

Bamboo and Ducks by a Rushing Stream is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Bamboo and Ducks by a Rushing Stream?

Bamboo and Ducks by a Rushing Stream is associated with Song dynasty landscape.

Can I buy a print of Bamboo and Ducks by a Rushing Stream?

Museum-quality prints of Bamboo and Ducks by a Rushing Stream are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.