Lady Xuanwen Giving Instruction on the Rites of Zhou

Chen Hongshou’s “Lady Xuanwen Giving Instruction on the Rites of Zhou” is a hanging scroll from 1638. It captures a moment of teaching from a classic Chinese text on bureaucracy. Ink and color on silk.

The scroll measures 110.5 cm in height and 54.3 cm in width. It belongs to the Ming dynasty era in China, spanning from 1368 to 1644.

The Rites of Zhou, central to the painting, is one of three ancient ritual texts in Confucianism. It details administrative roles rather than state creation.

Chen Hongshou was active during the late Ming dynasty. He was known for his masterful use of line and unique figure depictions.

Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio, https://clevelandart.org/art/1961.89

https://oolf.net/open-art/hongshou-lady-xuanwen-giving-instruction-on-the-rites-of-zhou-1638/