Along the River During the Ching-ming Festival

Tags: Ching-ming Festival | dynasty | National Palace Museum | painting

 

Along the River During the Ching-ming Festival is a portrayal of prosperity and affluence along the Bian River in Kaifeng, capital city of the Northern Sung dynasty. The earliest extant version of this subject is a masterpiece by Sung artist Chang Tse-duan (fl. 12th century). The National Palace Museum alone houses seven different versions. Among them, the one painted by five Ch'ing imperial court painters is arguably the most fascinating. The meticulously rendered painting features unique customs of the Ming and Ch'ing dynasties, providing a wonderful first-hand account of contemporary lifestyles.
 




 

Along the River During the Ching-ming Festival

Court artists, Ch'ing Dynasty (1736)

National Palace Museum