Orchid Pavilion Gathering Item Number: Edz1408 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Painting consisting of a scene painted on silk depicting a gathering of artists along a river. From right to left: river starts near top and passes under a bridge, with a man and a boy carrying a lute. The river then runs across with trees on both banks and wine cups floating along. Groups of men and boys are on both sides of the river, painting on rocks; floating wine cups; writing on scrolls; making tea on a stove which is on a table. At left is a house on stilts with two men and a boy with brushes and a scroll. There are six very worn characters and two seals at left. There is a half round of wood and a cord at each end.
History Of Use
The painting depicts an actual gathering of prominent scholars in China in the year 353; they were invited by the great writer and calligrapher Wang Xizhi to a poetry competition. In Japan, the event has been re-enacted since the tenth century, and artists have depicted it in paintings and prints. The artist’s teacher, Ike no Taiga, produced numerous versions of the image to meet heavy demand from clients. In creating his own version, Gogaku was influenced by the Chinese literati style.
Narrative
This handscroll painting was collected by Canadian missionary doctor Richard Brown in Japan immediately after World War Two.
Item History
- Made by Gogaku Fukuhara (Maker) in Japan between 1750 and 1800
- Collected between 1927 and 1940
- Owned by Richard Brown
- Owned by Aileen P. Walker and Charles Walker before January 9, 1985
- Received from Aileen P. Walker (Donor) and Charles Walker (Donor) on January 9, 1985
What
Who
- Culture
- Japanese
- Creator
- Gogaku Fukuhara (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- Richard Brown, Aileen P. Walker and Charles Walker
- Received from
- Aileen P. Walker (Donor) and Charles Walker (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Japan
When
- Creation Date
- between 1750 and 1800
- Collection Date
- between 1927 and 1940
- Ownership Date
- before January 9, 1985
- Acquisition Date
- on January 9, 1985
Other
- Item Classes
- paintings; works on paper
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 1012/0037