Artwork

Bamboo in Four Seasons: Summer and Winter

Bamboo in Four Seasons: Summer and Winter, by Unknown, unspecified, 1324
Bamboo in Four Seasons: Summer and Winter, by Unknown, unspecified, 1324

Bamboo in Four Seasons: Summer and Winter is an unspecified painting by the Song dynasty painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1324 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
1982.150

About this work

You see two tall bamboo stalks, one lush and green, the other bare and brown, side by side on a plain background.

You see two tall bamboo stalks, one lush and green, the other bare and brown, side by side on a plain background.

This painting was made during the Yuan dynasty, when Mongol rulers governed China. Artists then often used simple subjects like bamboo to show skill without flashy colors. The contrast between summer and winter might hint at patience or change.

To see more work from this time, look up china, yuan dynasty (1271-1368).

Overview

Bamboo in Four Seasons: Summer and Winter is a Yuan dynasty painting depicting two contrasting bamboo stalks, lush green for summer and bare brown for winter, set against a plain background.

Subject & Meaning

The juxtaposition of summer and winter bamboo may symbolize themes of patience, transformation, or the cyclical nature of time, conveyed through a humble yet meaningful subject.

Technique & Style

Characteristic of Yuan dynasty art, the painting features a simple, subdued composition, emphasizing the artist's skill through understated elegance rather than vibrant colors.

History & Provenance

Created during the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368), a period of Mongol rule in China, the artwork reflects the artistic preferences of the time, favoring subtle expressions of technique over ornate displays.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Bamboo in Four Seasons: Summer and Winter?

Bamboo in Four Seasons: Summer and Winter was painted by Unknown in 1324.

Where can I see Bamboo in Four Seasons: Summer and Winter?

Bamboo in Four Seasons: Summer and Winter is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Bamboo in Four Seasons: Summer and Winter?

Bamboo in Four Seasons: Summer and Winter is associated with Song dynasty painting.