Suzhou museum unveils rare masterpiece
Nanjing — Not far away from where Tang Yin was born, a special exhibition featuring the original paintings and calligraphy of the distinguished master from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) took place in East China's Suzhou city.
One particular painting stood out as the exhibition's centerpiece — Two Sparrows on a Tree. The authenticated masterpiece captures the serene beauty of spring as a pair of sparrows revel in nature's embrace.
To commemorate the 500th anniversary of Tang's death, the Suzhou Bay Museum specially curated this exclusive exhibition. It was the first time the masterpiece went on public display since 2010.
"It's considered a treasure of our museum, and rightly so. Genuine paintings by Tang Yin are scarce, with fewer than 200 authenticated pieces known to exist. Among these, work depicting flowers and birds are especially rare, with only two such paintings confirmed to be in existence today," says Ru Yuelai, curator of the Suzhou Bay Museum.
According to the museum, the masterpiece was once again found in the late 1970s.
Its composition, which refers to the techniques of Song Dynasty (960-1279) artists, is exquisitely detailed. Against the backdrop of a camellia tree, Tang depicted a scene in which twin sparrows engage in intimate interaction.
Accompanying the painting is a poem by Tang himself: "Do not take advantage when the mantis loses its nest, someone is taking aim at the birds". Through this verse, the master infused the painting with a profound sense of worldly wisdom that transcends the mere portrayal of flowers and birds.
Better known by his courtesy name Bohu, Tang was celebrated for his multifaceted talent at painting, calligraphy, and poetry. His work predominantly captured the allure of Jiangnan, the region south of the Yangtze River where he was both born and laid to rest.
He emerged from the thriving merchant class of Suzhou, as the eldest son of a restaurant owner. Tang devoted himself to diligent study during his youth, showing little interest in material wealth. His exceptional talent later earned him recognition as one of the preeminent figures of Jiangnan.
However, his life took a dramatic turn after a bribery scandal thwarted his ambitions for further official progress, leading him down a path of artistic indulgence.
Tang's unconventional way of life has inspired storytellers to portray him as a mischievous character in Chinese folklore, a depiction that has been adapted into numerous plays and films.
"I never expected I could appreciate the beauty of my favorite painting in such an immersive dream-scape, it's like a dialogue across time and space," says one visitor surnamed Shi, standing before a digitized version of the masterpiece projected on a large screen.
Related articles
Devout Christian doctor, 68, who punched dementia
An 'arrogant' doctor who punched a vulnerable patient for making a racist comment and spitting at hi2024-05-21- Guizhou's stunning landscapes, and lack of crowds, make it a perfect place to lift the spirits.T2024-05-21
20th CPC Central Committee to hold 3rd plenary session in July
The third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee will be held2024-05-21House committee delays vote on bill to allow inmates to participate in parole hearings
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — A divided Alabama legislative committee delayed a vote on a proposal that wo2024-05-21Iran helicopter crash that killed President Raisi could reverberate across the Middle East
JERUSALEM (AP) — The helicopter crash in which Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country’s foreig2024-05-213rd Ice Cube Curling Invitational kicks off at National Aquatics Center
Athletes compete during the third Ice Cube Curling Invitational at the National Aquatics Center in B2024-05-21
atest comment