Artwork preview

Elegant Gathering in the Apricot Garden

Xie Huan

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The image shows a traditional Chinese painting titled "Elegant Gathering in the Apricot Garden" by Xie Huan. The painting depicts a group of people gathered in an outdoor setting. The group consists of nine individuals, including three men seated on chairs and six others standing around them. The three seated men wear traditional Chinese robes in red, blue, and black. The man in red sits in the center; the man in blue sits to his right; and the man in black sits to his right. The standing individuals wear traditional Chinese clothing in various colors, including pink, blue, white, and light pink. The group is surrounded by trees, plants, and a bird. A large tree trunk is visible on the right side, and a smaller one is on the left. A long table with a red top and a smaller table are on the left side. A large bird with a long neck and legs stands on the right side. The background features a wall with a picture hanging on it. The overall color palette is muted, with earthy tones dominating the scene. The painting's style and attire suggest it is set in a historical Chinese garden.

Artwork Details

Date
ca. 1437
Medium
Handscroll; ink and color on silk
Culture
China
Dimensions
600 × 302 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette