An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Gathering Herbs1612
Artist: Xie Daoling
Chinese, active early 17th century
2 figures, one very small carrying a basket, in lower left corner standing on a bridge; 2 buildings near top; tall trees in middle ground and mountains in background; inscription and 2 seals in upper left corner
77 9/16 x 22 9/16 in. (197.01 x 57.31 cm) (image)
Ink and colors on paper
Hanging scroll
China
17th century
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Dayton
In the soft light of dawn, a gentle mist wraps around the hills, a tender shroud that hints at the wonders lying beyond. A scholar stands on an ancient bridge, the cool stone cool beneath his feet. Beside him, a devoted servant holds a woven basket filled with fragrant herbs, their earthy scent mingling with the crisp mountain air.
His gaze drifts upward, following the trail that weaves through verdant pines, finally landing upon a distant monastery, nestled among the folds of the valley. The structure rises gracefully, its silhouette barely touching the clouds. Each brushstroke of nature invites him closer, whispering secrets of the sacred places. For him, gathering herbs is more than a task—it's a cherished practice, a reminder of life's simple joys intertwined with nature's wisdom.
In this tranquil moment, he feels connected to the teachings of both Daoists and Buddhists, who viewed these towering mountains as guardians of spiritual treasure. They believed that within these heights lay the possibility of meeting immortal beings, a chance for transcendence that pulsed beneath the surface of life itself. With each herb collected, with each step taken, he is becoming part of a larger, eternal conversation between humanity and the universe.
Yet, as he continues his journey, there's another layer to this scene. One could see it as a reflection of the age-old “visiting recluse” motif found in Chinese landscape painting. The scholar, deep in thought, embarks on a pilgrimage to visit a wise hermit, the very spirit of solitude and enlightenment, who waits within the walls of that distant monastery.
The young servant carries flowers in his basket, an offering of gratitude, a token of respect for the wisdom that awaits them. Together, they tread the path of seekers, journeying through the beauty of nature, not just to reach a destination, but to engage with the essence of life itself. And as they meander through the landscape, the whisper of the mountains accompanies them, a reminder that every step is part of a greater story—one of connection, reverence, and quiet introspection.
About the artist
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