Artwork preview

Leaf from the Ten Bamboo Studio Manual of Painting and Calligraphy

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The painting depicts a tree branch with green leaves and red fruits, extending from the bottom-right corner to the top-left corner. The branch has a thick, gnarled trunk that splits into two thinner branches, each adorned with leaves and fruits. The leaves are dark green with yellow veins, while the fruits are small and reddish-orange. The background of the painting is a light beige color, with a few darker spots and stains visible. A red seal or stamp is located on the left side of the painting, and another small red mark is near the bottom-right corner. The overall style of the painting is traditional Chinese, with bold brushstrokes and vibrant colors. The artist's use of color and composition creates a sense of balance and harmony in the piece. The painting appears to be a page from a book or manual, as suggested by the title "Leaf from the Ten Bamboo Studio Manual of Painting and Calligraphy".

Artwork details

Date:
first edition printed in 1633
Medium:
Individual leaf from a printed book; ink and color on paper
Culture:
China
Dimensions:
600 × 400 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette