A Gathering of Scholars
Artist: After Liu Songnian
Date: about 1700-1800
Dimensions:
11 7/8 in. (30.2 cm)
Medium: silk
Place of Origin: China
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Museum Purchase
Object number: 1918.3
Label Text:The Toledo Museum of Art bought this scroll in 1918 when many Asian works of art flooded the American market and were greatly desired by private collectors and institutions alike. At the time, it was believed to be an 11th-century work by Liu Songnian, though there were come conflicting opinions about who made the scroll and when. Attribution was complicated by the Chinese tradition of copying works and styles by earlier master painters—a practice considered homage, not forgery, in China.
As scholars examined this scroll over time, they have all come to the agreement that it was not in fact created in the Song Dynasty (960–1280) by Liu Songnian, but rather by a later Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) artist (or artists) working in the style of the earlier master. The silk has been dyed to look older, and the figures are a combination of many styles.
As scholars examined this scroll over time, they have all come to the agreement that it was not in fact created in the Song Dynasty (960–1280) by Liu Songnian, but rather by a later Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) artist (or artists) working in the style of the earlier master. The silk has been dyed to look older, and the figures are a combination of many styles.
DescriptionPortrayal of an historical episode. Full color in the style of the Sung Dynasty. Color on silk.
Not on view
In Collection(s)