Oct 14, 2010

Scholar Playing a Qin

Scholar Playing a Qin

가야금 타는 인물 (月下彈琴圖)

1800s

Album leaf; ink and color on silk

Painting only: 23.5 x 23.8 cm (9 1/4 x 9 3/8 in.); Overall: 26.5 x 26.5 cm (10 7/16 x 10 7/16 in.)

John L. Severance Fund 1990.69

Location

Did you know?

The Korean zither with six strings, depicted in this painting, was often played by men.

Description

The painting invites viewers to an intimate qin, or zither, recital in the cool breezy night under the moon. The musician at the center gently strums the strings, while his servant boy is drowsing, without realizing the tea pot is steaming. In older times, playing a musical instrument was considered an effective way to cultivate one's spiritual and mental balance.

See also
Collection: 
ASIAN - Album leaf
Department: 
Korean Art
Type of artwork: 
Painting

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