Accession no.: 48.168
Credit line: Anonymous Gift, 1948

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows a single crane, identified as a member of the Gruidae family, rendered in ink and color on silk as a hanging scroll.

The painting shows a single crane, identified as a member of the Gruidae family, rendered in ink and color on silk as a hanging scroll. The anonymous Chinese artist created the work in 1506, and it is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection. The crane appears as the sole depicted element, emphasizing its form and graceful posture within the composition. Its presence functions as the central subject, without additional narrative attributes or accompanying figures.

Technique & Style

Created in 1506, this hanging scroll is executed in ink and color on a silk support. The work originates from China. Its formal composition features the depiction of a crane (Gruidae), rendered through traditional brushwork techniques characteristic of the period.

The physical dimensions of the artwork measure 188.6 cm in height and 95.3 cm in width. As an anonymous creation, the piece exemplifies the stylistic conventions of early sixteenth-century Chinese painting, using the vertical format of the hanging scroll to frame its avian subject within a naturalistic setting.

History & Provenance

Created in 1506 in China, this hanging scroll executed in ink and color on silk is the work of an anonymous artist and has been attributed to an unknown painter throughout its recorded history. It is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains part of the institution's paintings holdings. The scroll measures 188.6 cm in height and 95.3 cm in width.

The available records do not specify details of a commission, an intermediate ownership chain, a unique accession number, or any exhibition history for the work.

Overview

This untitled painting, rendered in ink and color on silk, takes the form of a hanging scroll. It depicts cranes within a natural environment, characterized by a serene aesthetic. The work is identified as an ancient piece originating from Mexico, dating to the medieval period.

Its creation on silk, a less common material for art in many regions, contributes to its distinctive character.

Context

For those interested in exploring comparable artistic expressions, The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses a collection that offers further insights. Examining related works can provide a broader understanding of the techniques, themes, and historical periods that resonate with this painting, enriching the appreciation of its individual characteristics within a wider art historical framework.