An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Mooring a Boat on the Riverlate 16th century
Artist: Che Ming Yu
Chinese, 16th-17th century
three men and boat at bottom; one man pulls boat toward shore while another drives a stake into the ground and the third sits inside boat; rocky mountain landscape above
64 1/2 x 38 1/4 in. (163.83 x 97.16 cm) (image, approximate)
Ink on silk
Hanging scroll
China
16th century
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Dayton
On a warm summer day, the sun poured its golden light over the gently flowing river, creating a serene tapestry of dancing reflections on the water’s surface. Two men, rugged yet content, emerged from a world of toil to embrace a moment of tranquility. The smaller of the two, with hands calloused from labor and sun-kissed skin, expertly pulled the thick, sturdy rope taut, ensuring their modest wooden boat remained steadfast against the playful currents.
His companion, taller and equally weathered, knelt by the riverside, hammering a stake deep into the earth, a simple yet vital task in their day of fishing. It felt like more than just mooring a boat; it was a ritual that connected them to the land and the river itself—a sacred bond of respect and gratitude.
In the realm of Chinese painting, fishermen often speak through the brushstrokes of the ages, capturing the essence of men like these two. Their stories are painted in two distinct styles, each a window into a different world. One portrays recluses—men who wear the guise of fishermen but retreat from society, finding solace on their boats, cradled in nature’s embrace. The other celebrates the lives of real fishermen, like the men at the riverbank, their faces shining with the joy of their labor.
During the early and middle Ming dynasty, artists from the Zhe school found inspiration in these simple, carefree souls. Their canvases breathed life into the quiet scenes of fishermen returning home after a fruitful day, smiles plastered on their faces, relishing the moments of freedom and connection with the wild.
In this tranquil setting, as the sun began its descent and painted the horizon in hues of orange and pink, the two friends shared laughter and stories, embodying the spirit of these timeless paintings. Their work might have been demanding, yet when it was done, they embraced not just the fruits of their labor, but the gentle whispers of nature surrounding them—birds singing in the trees, and the soft rustle of leaves. The river, in its endless flow, seemed to sing along, a partner in their peaceful journey through life.
About the artist
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