Artwork
Dragon
Dragon is an unspecified painting by the Song dynasty landscape artist Muqi. It dates from 1264 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
In Chinese tradition, the dragon symbolizes imperial authority, cosmic power, and yang energy, often associated with water and rain.
The subject depicted is a dragon, a mythical creature central to East Asian iconography, rendered here in ink on paper by the Chan Buddhist monk-painter Fachang Muqi in 1264.
In Chinese tradition, the dragon symbolizes imperial authority, cosmic power, and yang energy, often associated with water and rain. Its writhing form, articulated through abbreviated brushwork and subtle ink washes, conveys both dynamism and restraint, reflecting the Chan aesthetic of capturing essence with minimal means. The painting’s stark composition and expressive economy align with Chan Buddhist values, where the dragon embodies transformative spiritual energy rather than mere narrative illustration.
Technique & Style
Created in 1264, Dragon is a painting executed by the Chinese artist Muqi. The work originates from China and is classified as a painting on a support that is not further detailed in the available records. As a single-sheet painting from the Song dynasty period, it reflects the artist's characteristic handling of ink and brushwork typical of his style, though specific technical details regarding the medium's composition or the current physical condition of the object are not provided in the sources. The piece is currently held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Overview
Created in 1264 by the Chinese monk-painter Muqi, this ink painting titled “Dragon” is part of the collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work presents a single, sinuous dragon rendered in monochrome ink, set against a subdued, dark background that accentuates the creature’s form and movement.
History & Provenance
The painting has been in the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings since its acquisition, though details of its earlier ownership remain limited. Its attribution to Muqi, a prominent figure of 13th‑century Chan Buddhism, aligns it with a body of work that circulated among monastic communities before entering Western collections.
Artist & collection
