Pursuing the Way (Dao) Deep in the Mountains
Artist
Xiao Yuncong
Chinese, 1596 - 1673
Date1596-1667
DynastyMing dynasty (1368-1644) or later
MaterialsInk and colors on gold-flecked paper
DimensionsH. 6 in x W. 18 7/8 in, H. 15.2 cm x W. 47.9 cm (image); H. 13 in x W. 24 in, H. 33 cm x W. 61 cm (overall)
Credit LineGift of Marjorie Bissinger
Object numberB79D25
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsPainting
On View
Not on viewSignedArtist signature:署款：蕭雲從畫倂題。
Artist seal: 鈐印：雲從（朱文方印）。
Inscribed自題詩：蒼雲欎秋滸，躡蹭勞黄馬。搴幰促後車，萬里詎云阻。紫蔦上蒼松，
道路經邃古。方臺迥幽巒，高士居其所。層眇結烟鬟，游仙想靈府。
秘旨忽千年，因恤人世苦。我欲逐安期，汎駕隨海浦。宛作畫中行，
頓蛻黃塵下。
MarkingsXiao Yuncong
Text EntriesIn the sixty-line poem inscribed on the fan, the artist claims this painting depicts the exploration of remote mountains by idealists who wished to find the secret to liberating themselves from the difficulties of living in human society. Traveling in a sedan chair and followed by servants, a gentleman has reached a point far from civilization. Climbing along a steep path above are a man on a donkey and his servant carrying luggage on a pole.
