Paintings after Ancient Masters: Mr. Five Willows (Wuliu), Tao Yuanming

Chen Hongshou painted ‘Mr. Five Willows’ on an album leaf using ink and color on silk. Created between 1598 and 1652 during the Ming dynasty. The original source is unknown.

The painting is part of a series titled ‘Paintings after Ancient Masters.’ It represents the Chinese scholar Tao Yuanming, also known as Mr. Five Willows.

Chen Hongshou’s work is characterized by meticulous detail and expressive line work, reflecting the stylistic elements of the late Ming period.

Chen Hongshou lived his entire life in the Zhejiang province of China. His works are known for their historical and literary references.

Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio https://clevelandart.org/art/1979.27.2.12