Currently not on view
Friendship in Stone (Shijiao tu 石交圖),
1640
Ni Yuanlu 倪元璐, 1593–1644
Chinese
Ming dynasty, 1368–1644
1998-70 e
Garden and scholar’s rocks were collected for their fantastical shapes and forms. Seen as miniatures of immortal mountains and heavenly caves, they were imbued with cosmic properties. Lofty and unchanging, rocks were also believed to embody human characteristics. In gardens, such rocks divided space, added texture to a vista, and provided a focus for contemplation.
A high official and loyalist to the lost Ming dynasty, Ni Yuanlu committed suicide in 1644, when the capital of Beijing fell to rebel forces. This rock, part of a larger set and painted on satin, might express personal attributes that Ni admired or symbolize a circle of close friends.
Information
Title
Friendship in Stone (Shijiao tu 石交圖)
Dates
1640
Maker
Medium
Album leaf; ink and color on satin
Dimensions
Painting: 21.6 x 20.2 cm. (8 1/2 x 7 15/16 in.)
Leaf: 28.4 x 49 cm. (11 3/16 x 19 5/16 in.)
Mat: 30.4 x 27.8 cm. (11 15/16 x 10 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of John B. Elliott, Class of 1951
Object Number
1998-70 e
Place Made
Asia, China
Signatures
signed
Inscription
dated 1640
Marks/Labels/Seals
Artist, "Ni Yuanlu yin" 倪元璐印, square intaglio
Artist, "Biehaoyuan ke" 別號園客, square intaglio
Culture
Period
–1998 John B. Elliott (Princeton, NJ), by bequest to the Princeton University Art Museum, 1998.
