The Elegant Gathering

Literati gatherings featuring poetry, music, painting and calligraphy, among other activities, were a popular diversion for members of China's educated elite. Certain of these gatherings became favored topics for literature and the visual arts. This painting depicts one such gathering. It was hosted by Su Shi (Su Dongpo 1037–1101), and it included sixteen of the best-known artists, poets, and calligraphers of his time. It came to be known as the Elegant Gathering in the Western Garden and has been a favored topic among Chinese artists since shortly after it occurred.

Wei sets the theme in a garden surrounded by water, rocks, banana trees, and plants. The sixteen scholars are arranged in groups from left to right: two are deeply involved in a discussion of Taoism; two stand by a rock (the one painting on the rock is Su Shi, the host); six, either sitting or standing by a stone table, are reading and composing poetry; four are enjoying paintings and antiques; and two are playing music (one plays a piba, a type of lute), at the far right. There are also two female maids and three servant boys.

Inscription
Wei inscribed this work on one side of the fan and created the painting on the opposite. In his inscription he notes his admiration for Song dynasty (960–1279) paintings and literature and says they inspired his work. He identifies the figure in a yellow Taoist robe as Su Shi.

Artist's Biography
What little information is available about the artist indicates Wei was known for painting landscapes on fans and occasionally painted flower-and-bird paintings.