The Dream of Yellow Sorghum

Artist Shi Han (Shi Wen) (Chinese)

Artist Zheng Fujiao (Chinese, active approx. 1625 - 1675)

Artist Sun Shigui (Chinese)

Artist Zhu Qiujun (Chinese)

Artist Jin Junming (Chinese, 1602 - 1675)

Artist Shen Zhifang (Chinese)

Artist Yong Yuanji (Chinese)

Artist Zhang Yingpei (Chinese)

Artist Wang Qiu (Chinese)

Artist Zhou Yunqiu (Chinese)

Artist Zhang Renjun (Chinese)

Place of OriginChina

Date1669

DynastyQing dynasty (1644 - 1911), Reign of the Kangxi emperor (1662 - 1722)

MaterialsInk and colors on paper

DimensionsH. 12 in x W. 24 1/8 in, H. 30.48 cm x W. 61.28 cm

Credit LineGift of Joseph and Nancy Wang in memory of Dr. and Mrs. Hsin-Chung Wang

Object number1998.32.a

DepartmentChinese Art

ClassificationsPainting

On View

Not on view

SignedArtist signature: Shihan 史漢。 Seal: Shihan 史漢(白文扁方印)；Wen 文(白文扁方印)；Yunchuang 芸窗(引首，白文長方印)。

Inscribed漢陽江上雨霏霏，夢破紅塵覺昨非，一自春風黃鶴去，至今鐵笛少人吹。

MarkingsZheng Fujiao(two seals), Sun Yuangui (one seal), Zhu Qiuxiu (two seals), Jin Junming (two seals), Shen Zhifang (one seal), Yong Yuanji (one seal), Wang Qiu (one seal), Shi Han (two seals), Zhou Yunyin (one seal), Zhang Gusheng (two seals), Zhang Renjun (two seals)

More Information

This combination of a picture and eleven poems in calligraphy retells an episode from a ninth-century satire known as Lu Sheng’s Dream of Yellow Sorghum. While waiting in a country inn for a meal made of yellow sorghum, a type of millet, Lu Sheng told the Immortal Lu Dongbin of his severe despair at reality. The immortal placed the despondent Lu Sheng on a magic pillow. Soon Lu Sheng dreamed of a long, wealthy life, glorious success in an appointment at court, and a happy family with many generations. When he awoke, all disappeared, and only the yellow sorghum was still cooking. He wondered, “Was that a dream?” “That is the human world,” replied Lu Dongbin.

Subject