
Visiting a Friend with a Zither
Giclée art print on German made rice paper. About the Artwork: Picture of Visiting a Friend with a Zither, Qing Dynasty. Shang Rui. Ink and color on rice paper. A stream runs horizontally, with a secluded pavilion on the opposite bank, slightly askew. In the middle stands a wooden bridge. An elderly man, carrying a musical instrument, is accompanied by a young boy as they cross the bridge to visit a friend residing in the secluded dwelling. The composition is concise with an expansive setting. The placement of objects and spaces is well-balanced, contrasting the tangible with the intangible. Though the figures are small, they are intricately detailed, capturing the viewer's attention. The brushwork is relaxed and elegant, and the color palette is refreshing. About the Artist: Shang Rui, a monk from the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, specialized in landscapes. Drawing inspiration from ancient techniques, he employed lines that were concise, clear, and lively. His artworks exude a b