Dwelling among mountains and clouds

Dwelling among mountains and clouds

Gong Xian

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Some scholars have questioned the authenticity of this monumental painting attributed to Gong Xian, who is better known for smaller works and more precise application of ink. Whether by the artist or a follower, the work eloquently expresses the ideal of the scholar’s rustic retreat in both image and verse. The poem reads: Where I dwell white clouds often crowd; But only deer travel my just-opened mountain path. How wonderful to bring wine up to the pavilion; Letting go a pure song in the shadows of the setting sun. —trans. by Maxwell K. Hearn

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Dwelling among mountains and cloudsDwelling among mountains and cloudsDwelling among mountains and cloudsDwelling among mountains and cloudsDwelling among mountains and clouds

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.