Cymbidium under the Moon in Spring
Artist
Han Yan
(Chinese, active 1600 - 1700)
Datedated 1712
DynastyQing dynasty (1644-1911)
MaterialsInk on paper
DimensionsH. 55 1/4 in x W. 12 1/8 in, H. 140.3 cm x W. 30.8 cm (image); H. 99 1/4 in x W. 19 1/8 in, H. 252.1 cm x W. 48.6 cm (overall)
Credit LineGift of the Yeh Family
Object number2014.53
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsPainting
On View
Not on viewSignedArtist date and signature: 壬辰清和月X廬韓菼。
Seal：“韓菼之印”白文方印。
Inscribed幽蘭花，(殘缺一字)空山，美人愛之不可見，裂素寫之明窗間；幽蘭花，得霏霏，老方披紙XX 葹，我欲(殘缺一字)之覓紙韋，袞袞獨立眾所非；幽蘭花，為誰好？露冷風清香自老。
More InformationAbove this painting of cymbidiums (a type of orchid), Han Yan added a poem on the same subject. In this poem Han states that the true beauty of the cymbidium lies in its spiritual fidelity and tenacity, traits people rarely observe. He also remarks that the cymbidium emerges from hidden chinks in waterside rocks. Favoring the cold wind, it reciprocates with a fresh fragrance. Ye Gongchao was also fascinated with cymbidiums, and often depicted them in his paintings. This interest might have led him to collect this work by Han Yan.
Meng Yongguang
