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明/清 佚名 舊傳陸青 洗馬圖 冊頁|Washing a Horse by Lu Qing|Unidentified artist

Lu Qing|Unidentified artist · 1639

This tranquil ink-on-silk album leaf, "Washing a Horse," captures a quiet moment from 1639 China. Though traditionally attributed to Lu Qing, the artist behind this skilled work remains unidentified.

The painting invites close inspection of its details: observe the man's diligent scrubbing, the horse's calm posture, and the subtle brushwork that brings texture to its mane and the riverbank. Other figures nearby suggest a common activity, a serene glimpse into daily life.

Created as an album leaf, this piece was intended for personal contemplation rather than public display. Its small size encouraged intimate engagement, allowing viewers to appreciate the delicate lines and ink washes in a private setting during the transitional period between the Ming and Qing dynasties.

What other quiet details do you notice in this scene?

Details

A man kneels by a river, diligently scrubbing a horse.
A man kneels by a river, diligently scrubbing a horse.
Notice his simple robe, common attire of the period.
Notice his simple robe, common attire of the period.
The horse lifts its hoof, cooperating with the washing.
The horse lifts its hoof, cooperating with the washing.
The artist used swift, economical strokes, building texture with ink.
The artist used swift, economical strokes, building texture with ink.
Other figures attend to the animals, a quiet, daily rhythm.
Other figures attend to the animals, a quiet, daily rhythm.
Transcript

This album leaf shows an everyday scene from 1639 China. A man kneels by a river, diligently scrubbing a horse. Notice his simple robe, common attire of the period. The horse lifts its hoof, cooperating with the washing. The artist used swift, economical strokes, building texture with ink. Other figures attend to the animals, a quiet, daily rhythm. These small works were made for intimate, private enjoyment.