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Medallion with return from a spring outing

late 16th–early 17th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 219
The motif of a scholar gentleman riding in a moonlight landscape is also found in Chinese paintings. In this richly carved scene, the scholar rides on horseback while four young attendants carry his supplies and a fifth hastens to open the gate to the family compound. The scholar gentleman is understood to be returning from a spring outing filled with wine and poetry.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Medallion with return from a spring outing
  • Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
  • Date: late 16th–early 17th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Ivory
  • Dimensions: H. 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm); Diam. 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm)
  • Classification: Ivories
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 1993
  • Object Number: 1993.176
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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