Artwork preview

Reading a sutra by moonlight

Unidentified artist

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The image depicts a simple drawing of a man sitting cross-legged on the ground. The man is bald, with his head tilted down and to the right, and appears to be reading from a book held in his left hand. His right elbow rests on his right knee. He wears a simple robe with a high collar. The drawing uses shades of brown on a beige background. A red seal is in the bottom left corner. The man sits on a curved line that may represent a shadow or a cloak. The overall composition is simple and contemplative.

Artwork Details

Date
ca. 1332
Medium
Hanging scroll; ink on paper
Culture
China
Dimensions
600 × 600 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette