Grooms and Horses 吳興趙氏三世人馬圖
Item
Title
Grooms and Horses
吳興趙氏三世人馬圖
吳興趙氏三世人馬圖
Description
Artists’ inscriptions and signatures
Zhao Mengfu 趙孟頫, 2 columns in standard script, dated 1296:
On the tenth of the first lunar month in the second year of the Yuanzhen reign era [February 11, 1296] I painted this Groom and Horse for Surveillance Commissioner Feiqing’s pure enjoyment. Inscribed by Zhao Mengfu of Wuxing [in Zhejiang].
元貞二年正月十日作 《人馬圖》 以奉飛卿廉訪清玩。吴興趙孟頫題。
Zhao Yong 趙雍, 6 columns in standard script, dated 1359:
In autumn, the eighth lunar month, of the nineteenth year in the yihai year of the Zhizheng reign era [August–September, 1359] I was staying in Wulin [present-day Hangzhou]. Han Jieshi came to me bringing with him a painting of a man and a horse by my late father, the Minister. He told me that Xie Boli, Associate Prefect of Songjiang, sent him to show the picture and ask me to do a painting of the same subject as a sequel to it. I viewed it respectfully with mingled feelings of sorrow and joy and could not put it down. Although I am not personally acquainted with Boli, since I admire his lofty spirit, I painted this with profound emotion and give it to Jieshi to forward to him. Written by Zhao Yong.[1]
至正十九年己亥秋八月余寓武林。一日韓介石過余道，松江同知謝伯理雅意俾介石持所藏先平章所畫人馬見示，求余扵卷尾亦作人馬以繼之。拜觀之餘，悲喜交集，不能去手，余雖未識伯理，嘉其高致，故慨然為作，以授介石，歸之伯理云。趙雍書。
Zhao Lin 趙麟, 7 columns in standard script, dated 1359:
Xie Boli of Yunjian [present-day Songjiang, Jiangsu] for some time owned the painting Man and Horse by my late grandfather, the Duke of Wei, and has had it mounted on a handscroll. Later, at his request my father also executed a painting on the following part of the scroll and now he makes the request of me. May I venture to ask, is it not that he covetously desires works handed down by all three generations of my family? Unless one is most enthusiastic about [art works] of merit, no one would be so attentive to such things. So finally, without declining, I consented to do it. On the fifteenth of the tenth lunar month in the yihai year of the Zhizheng reign era [November 6, 1359], written by Zhao Lin, Gentleman for Managing Affairs and Document Examiner of the Provincial Government of Jiang and Zhe Districts.[2]
雲間謝伯理氏舊藏先大父魏國公所畫 《人馬圖》 裝潢成卷，復言家君作于後，而亦以命余竊惟伯理之囗繼欲侈吾家三世之所傳歟，自非篤扵人，雅不能用心若此也，遂不辭而承命。時至正己亥冬十月望日也，承事郎、江浙等處行中書省檢校官趙麟識。
Artists' seals[3]
Zhao Mengfu 趙孟頫
Zhao shi Ziang 趙氏子昂
Zhao Lin 趙麟
Yanzheng 彥徴
Label strip
Artist unknown, 1 column in standard script, undated:
Grooms and Horses by three generations of the Zhao Family of Wuxing
吴興趙氏三世 《人馬圖》
[1] Translation by Shujuro Shimada in Laurence Sickman, Chinese Calligraphy and Painting in the Collection of John M. Crawford, Jr., New York: The Pierpont Morgan Library, 1962, p. 102, modified.
[2] Translation by Shujuro Shimada, ibid., modified.
Zhao Mengfu 趙孟頫, 2 columns in standard script, dated 1296:
On the tenth of the first lunar month in the second year of the Yuanzhen reign era [February 11, 1296] I painted this Groom and Horse for Surveillance Commissioner Feiqing’s pure enjoyment. Inscribed by Zhao Mengfu of Wuxing [in Zhejiang].
元貞二年正月十日作 《人馬圖》 以奉飛卿廉訪清玩。吴興趙孟頫題。
Zhao Yong 趙雍, 6 columns in standard script, dated 1359:
In autumn, the eighth lunar month, of the nineteenth year in the yihai year of the Zhizheng reign era [August–September, 1359] I was staying in Wulin [present-day Hangzhou]. Han Jieshi came to me bringing with him a painting of a man and a horse by my late father, the Minister. He told me that Xie Boli, Associate Prefect of Songjiang, sent him to show the picture and ask me to do a painting of the same subject as a sequel to it. I viewed it respectfully with mingled feelings of sorrow and joy and could not put it down. Although I am not personally acquainted with Boli, since I admire his lofty spirit, I painted this with profound emotion and give it to Jieshi to forward to him. Written by Zhao Yong.[1]
至正十九年己亥秋八月余寓武林。一日韓介石過余道，松江同知謝伯理雅意俾介石持所藏先平章所畫人馬見示，求余扵卷尾亦作人馬以繼之。拜觀之餘，悲喜交集，不能去手，余雖未識伯理，嘉其高致，故慨然為作，以授介石，歸之伯理云。趙雍書。
Zhao Lin 趙麟, 7 columns in standard script, dated 1359:
Xie Boli of Yunjian [present-day Songjiang, Jiangsu] for some time owned the painting Man and Horse by my late grandfather, the Duke of Wei, and has had it mounted on a handscroll. Later, at his request my father also executed a painting on the following part of the scroll and now he makes the request of me. May I venture to ask, is it not that he covetously desires works handed down by all three generations of my family? Unless one is most enthusiastic about [art works] of merit, no one would be so attentive to such things. So finally, without declining, I consented to do it. On the fifteenth of the tenth lunar month in the yihai year of the Zhizheng reign era [November 6, 1359], written by Zhao Lin, Gentleman for Managing Affairs and Document Examiner of the Provincial Government of Jiang and Zhe Districts.[2]
雲間謝伯理氏舊藏先大父魏國公所畫 《人馬圖》 裝潢成卷，復言家君作于後，而亦以命余竊惟伯理之囗繼欲侈吾家三世之所傳歟，自非篤扵人，雅不能用心若此也，遂不辭而承命。時至正己亥冬十月望日也，承事郎、江浙等處行中書省檢校官趙麟識。
Artists' seals[3]
Zhao Mengfu 趙孟頫
Zhao shi Ziang 趙氏子昂
Zhao Lin 趙麟
Yanzheng 彥徴
Label strip
Artist unknown, 1 column in standard script, undated:
Grooms and Horses by three generations of the Zhao Family of Wuxing
吴興趙氏三世 《人馬圖》
[1] Translation by Shujuro Shimada in Laurence Sickman, Chinese Calligraphy and Painting in the Collection of John M. Crawford, Jr., New York: The Pierpont Morgan Library, 1962, p. 102, modified.
[2] Translation by Shujuro Shimada, ibid., modified.
identifier
40507
Source
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/40507
Creator
Zhao Mengfu
趙孟頫
Zhao Yong
趙雍
Zhao Lin
趙麟
趙孟頫
Zhao Yong
趙雍
Zhao Lin
趙麟
annotates
Colophons [4]
1. Hu Cheng 胡誠 (active early 15th c.), 5 columns in standard script, dated 1405; 3 seals:
Wang Jun, whose style name is Xihe, of Qingjiang [in Jiangsu] brought Grooms and Horses, a painting by the three generations of Songxue Zhai [Zhao Mengfu] in his collection, to show me at his leisure. I thus had the chance to appreciate the beauty of the former dynasty’s writings and the elegance of its artistic transmission, which is rare from past to present. The Book of Chu says: “The state of Chu has no treasure; it only has virtue as its treasure.” Xiho cherishes this scroll as a family treasure; he is a man of virtue too. I return it with great respect. Treasure it! Treasure it! On the twentieth of the third lunar month in the yiyou year, the third of the Yongle reign era [April 18, 1405], Hu Cheng, a former Advanced Scholar (jinshi), respectfully wrote. [Seals]: Haiwu Daoren, Zichi yinzhang, Shentong shijia
清江王均希和所藏松雪齋三世 《人馬圖》，暇日持以示余，余獲拜觀先朝文獻之懿，繼述之雅，亙古今而希有也。《楚書》 曰“楚國無以為寶，惟善以為寶。”希和寶此以傳家，其亦善人也。三肅以還，珍重珍重。永樂三年青龍在乙酉三月廿日前進士胡誠拜書。[印]：海屋道人、子持印章、神童世家
2. Shen Danian 沈大年 (active early 15th c.), 19 columns in semi-cursive script, dated 1403; 2 seals:
Master Zhao of Wuxing was respected in the former dynasty for his literary and political accomplishments. At his leisure he delighted himself with brush and ink. The refinement of his calligraphy and painting and the magic of his brushwork, therefore, were among the best under heaven. And his son and grandson were able to continue his aspiration. Mr. Wang Xihe of Qingjiang brought Grooms and Horses, a painting by the three generations of the [Zhao] family in his collection, to show me. Master Ziang [Zhao Mengfu] was the patriarch, Master Zhongmu [Zhao Yong] was the son, and Master Yanjing [Zhao Lin] was the grandson. Seeing them look ahead in attendance and observe the hierarchical order of seniority with deep familial affection, one understands that when the worthies gather their thought to move their brush, even the minor details of a painting confirm to the principles of cosmic order and humanity. When later generations spread out the scroll, filial piety will always fill their mind. In addition, the horses have sinewy tendons, yellowish knees, angular heads, and solid hoofs. Their eyes, in the shape of suspended bells, flash purplish lightening. They are so exquisite and beautiful. Their accessories seem to clank; their eyes seem to glare. They appear ready to fly, solid as they are. They deserve the emperor’s stable; the chariots’ bells ring [as they move]. Bole (7th c. B.C.) would not have needed Jiufang Gao (7th c. B.C.) to discern their [superiority]. Xihe is born of an illustrious family, always keen on upholding the principle of propriety. More and more elders of the community come to sing his praises. He is like a steed of natural virtue that is also well provided for. In the future when he enters the emperor’s stable and makes the chariot’s bells ring, I will verify his achievement against this painting. Having viewed this scroll, I respectfully wrote after it. On the fifth of the eleventh lunar month in the winter of the first year of the Yongle reign era [November 19, 1403] Assistant Gentleman for Ceremonial Service and Confucian School Instructor of the Linjiang Prefecture [in Jiangxi] Shen Danian of Qiantang [in Zhejiang] wrote. [Seals]: Shen shi Yuanshou, Qiantang shijia
吴興趙公文章政事見重前代，又以其餘暇適情於翰墨之内，故字畫之工、點染之神妙天下，而子孫亦克承其志焉。清江王氏希和持其所藏公家三世所作 《人馬圖》 以示余，蓋自子昂公為之祖，仲穆公為之子，彥敬公為之孫，睹其顧視隨立，尊卑秩然，親誼藹然，然後知名賢措思運筆，雖於圖寫之末，而寓乎天理人心之正，使後人於一展卷之頃，孝敬之心自不能不興起於其衷也。況闌筋麴膝，方首厚蹄，目如懸鈴，光流紫電，奇精妍態，宛如鏘如瞱如翔如實，可以充天閑而鳴和鑾也。又何必伯樂之經九方皋之囗，然後可以見之哉。希和今生名家，素勤待禮之教，鄉先生稱道之者日益著，是猶驥有其德，而又得其所養者，他日充天閑鳴和鑾，余將於此圖而徴希和之所至也。載閱是圖，敬書於後。時永樂元年冬十一月五日，將仕佐郎臨江府儒學教授錢唐沈大年書。 [印]： 沈氏原壽，錢塘世家
3. Chen An 陳安 (active early 15th c.), 12 columns in standard script, undated; 4 seals:
The three generations of the Zhao family painted the Grooms and Horses,
Each brush stroke of which is worth a thousand pieces of gold now.
Where did Mr. Wang get this painting?
From Mr. Xie, Vice Magistrate of Songjiang [in Jiangsu], so it was said.
Look at the first painting, which reflects great talent.
A descendant of the dragon-horse from the Wowa Lake [in Gansu], it has manes like dark jade.
Facing the menial standing by,
Its four snowy hoofs chill like the frigid sky.
Surveillance Commissioner Feiqing used to have it for enjoyment;
Mengfu’s lovely work will last a thousand years.
The brushwork of his son, Yong, and grandson, Lin, is even more refined.
The two horses are no inferior to Han Gan’s (active ca. 742–56).
The former is snow white with continuous coin patterns,
Whose two calves resemble cut jade and the other two look misty.
The latter, peach-colored with raindrop spots,
Has distinct white forehead and unique muscles and bone structure.
Two extraordinary creatures in leisurely manners,
Just like those paraded in the emperor’s stable.
There are innumerable genuine dragon-horses in the world.
Which of them can compete with what is seen here?
Ah! Everyone loves marvelous paintings,
Not just the nobles and the powerful.
I have finished inscribing my well-wishing for you.
May your sons and grandsons keep it forever!
Chen An [Seals]: Chushan, Chungong tushu, Rongtai yaqu, Danzhai
趙氏三世畫人馬，一筆在世千金價。
王君何處得此圖？傳云貳守松江謝。
試觀一疋才且雄，渥洼龍種蒼玉鬃。
奚官卻立儼相向，四蹄擁雪森寒空。
飛卿廉訪曾清玩，孟頫千載留香翰。
雍子麟孫筆更精，雙駿何須數韓幹。
前者雪擁鐡連錢，双蹄削玉双雲烟。
後者雨點桃花色，玉頂分眀筋骨別。
意態從容兩絕奇，迥若天閑初閱時。
世间無數真龍骨，見此孰與争光輝。
吁嗟妙畫世所[妙字點去]好，貴籍權門豈專好。
為君題罷祝君辭，子子孫孫永相保。
陳安 [印]： 處善、春宮圖書、容台雅趣、澹齋
4. Zou Hui 鄒誨 (active early 15th c.), 10 columns in semi-cursive script, undated; 3 seals:
Don’t you see, Sir,
Zhao Mengfu of Wuxing is unique in the fields of art and literature.
In the past he painted the horse with his mind,
Which, with bristly manes on a curved body, seems about to run wild.
The brushwork of his wonderful son was even better;
The image he drew far surpassed the steeds from the Wowa Lake.
Its angular, sharp ears resemble a pair of bamboo leaves;
Repeated circular patterns decorated its motley hair.
How fortunate that he had an outstanding grandson to continue the tradition;
One swifter steed was added to the scroll.
Covered with peach-blossom-spots all over,
It amazes people with its marvelous form.
[The painting’s] awesome loftiness is beyond reach,
Remaining in the world for over a hundred years.
Today [Wang] Jun showed me this scroll.
Spreading it out for appreciation by my window, I smile with joy.
People should not think that unknown horses
Will always be yoked to salt carts.
Upon encountering someone like Jiufang Gao,
They will be worth over a thousand pieces of gold with his approval.
Zou Hui [Seals]: Qiuxun, Panlin fengyue, Feng? Ge
君不見，
吳興趙孟頫，翰墨文章稱獨步。
當年運意寫龍媒，竪鬣拳身欲馳騖。
家傳令子筆更佳，寫來絕勝生渥洼。
稜稜銳耳擬雙竹，點點廻紋綴五花。
喜有賢孫能継紹，復添一匹追風驃。
滿身幻出桃花斑，令人動色嗟神妙。
景仰高風不可攀，百年遺蹟留人间。
今日逢均示此卷，臨軒展玩一開顔。
世間莫道無名馬，局促每困鹽車下。
相逢若得九方臯，一顧便溢千金價。
鄒誨 [印]： 求訓、泮林風月、鳳囗閣
5. Shanzhu 善住 (active early 15th c.), 6 columns in standard script, undated; 3 seals:
The three generations of the Duke of Wei [Zhao Mengfu] painted men-attended horses
Like [the famous] Purple Swallow, Black/white Patches, and White Nose.
Decorated with golden head-gears, they approach their stables;
Their hoofs stir jade-like [grass] and trample fallen flowers.
The grooms seem to come from somewhere beyond the desert;
The divine-spirited steeds look no different from those from the Wowa Lake.
Their images entered the painting and endured long in the world.
Aren’t they worth being presented to the imperial family?
Monk Shanzhu of Qingjiang [Seals]: Banxian, Songyun Daozhe, Yun yue shi tong
魏公三世寫人馬，紫燕青驄白鼻騧。
頭絡黃金趨伏櫪，蹄翻碧玉踏飛花。
奚官有若來沙漠，神駿無殊產渥洼。
貌入丹青傳世久，何當捧獻帝王家。
清江釋善住 [印]：半閒、松雲道者、雲月是同
6. Liu Yue 劉嶽 (jinshi degree, 1414), 3 columns in semi-cursive script, undated:
The images of the divine-spirited steeds from Lake Wowa
Are seldom seen in the world.
May this painting by the three generations of the Zhao family
Be preserved by Mr. Wang to last forever.
Liu Yue, Advanced Scholar (jinshi) of the jiawu year [1414]
渥洼神駿姿，天下不常有。
趙氏三代圖，王公存無朽。
甲午進士劉嶽
7. Li Jugong 李居恭 (active early 15th c.), 13 columns in cursive script, undated; 3 seals:
A great horse is not valued for its strength, but for its virtue. That is why a great horse is indeed like a gentleman. Tuizhi’s [Han Yu, 768–824] remarks on horses in his “Miscellaneous Essays” reveal profound thought. The Duke of Wei from Wuxing [Zhao Mengfu] had no rival in literary achievement. Though he was skilled at painting, it was not an important pursuit. The reason why he once painted Groom and Horse for Surveillance Commissioner Feiqing must be that Feiqing knew horses well too. The reason why Vice Magistrate Xie Boli, having kept it in his collection for several years, asked the Duke’s son, Yong, and grandson, Lin, to paint in succession must be that Boli was a horse-lover too. I came to Qingjiang to take an editorial position. Mr. Wang Xihe purchased this scroll and showed it to me. I appreciated it for a long while, feeling as if they were real great horses. How could Xihe have done this, had he not cherished elegant things deeply! Ah! As for those horse-loving gentlemen, I know they will certainly be loved themselves. Li Zhugong of Luling [present-day Ji’an, Jiangxi Province] [Seals]: Mengsheng, Li shi Jugong, Zhexuan
驥不稱其力稱其德也，故良馬君子實似之，退之〈雜說〉所謂馬其寄意深矣。吳興魏國公文章冠天下，工于畫，固其餘事也。嘗畫 《人馬》 以奉飛卿廉訪意者，飛卿其亦知馬者歟。同知謝伯理藏之數年，乃又請于公之子雍、公之孫麟畫以繼之意者，伯理其亦愛馬者歟。余來清江之校，王氏希和購得之，以示扵予，捧玩之久，宛然真良馬也。希和非篤好文雅，又安能然哉。吁！馬而好之君子，吾又知其必有好之者矣。廬陵李居恭 [印]： 濛生、李氏居恭、蟄軒
8. Yuan Heng 袁衡 (active early 15th c.), 22 columns in semi-cursive script, dated 1425; 3 seals:
The Grooms and Horses painted by the three generations [of the Zhao Family], acquired by Mr. Wang Xihe living in east Lincheng, used to be in the collection of Vice Magistrate of Yunjian [present-day Songjiang, near Shanghai] Xie Boli. The first section was by Academician Ziang [Zhao Mengfu], which rivals Han Gan’s work. The second one painted by his son, Zhao Yong, attests to the transmission of brushwork. The third by his grandson, Zhao Lin, was especially marvelous. Ah! Despite their different forms, the three horses share the same virtue. Despite their different appearances, the three men are all grooms. They come out of the emperor’s stable and run freely in the wilderness. Neither fettered nor exhausted, they fulfill their nature. All the viewers in the world are amazed, saying that the first one chases the wind and lightening, the second one’s divine spirit surpasses all the others, the last one covers a thousand miles for one gallop, and they are all superior horses. It is indeed so. But do they know about the subtlety of the human mind? Those who paint horses well are not [professional] painters, but dignitaries of the upper class. Although they only play with ink and brush, they all attain an understanding of their subject first, and then respond to it with their hands. Without being particular to hair colors, their portrayals naturally embody the horses’ spirit. Painters, on the other hand, are particular to hair colors. Their paintings, while capturing certain aspects, always lose the others. They are good at a few things, but always weak in handling the others. How can they stand a comparison? Moreover, the father painted it first, followed by his son and grandson. The continuous transmission from fathers to sons is rarely seen in a thousand years. Ah! The transmission of this scroll began with Boli and continued to Xihe, who made [its extraordinariness] manifest. Three horses may symbolize the rank of Three Dukes. Their descendants must someday attain the rank of Three Dukes. Treasure it dearly! It is an omen pointing to the future. I inscribed this with delight. Written on the first of the ninth lunar month in the autumn of the first year of the Hongxi reign era [October 12, 1425] by Confucian School Instructor in the Tribal Office of Yuanjiang in Yunnan Yuan Heng from the same town. [Seals]: Jigu zhi xue, Bi bu zaohua, Zhu shen chu
臨城東王氏希和所得三世 《人馬圖》 乃雲間別驾公謝伯理所藏也。一曰子昂學士寫，雖韓榦不讓矣。二曰其子趙雍寫，信其筆勢之有傳也。三曰厥孫趙麟作，寫之妙尤入神矣。噫！三馬異形而同德，三人異貌而同牧，出夫天廄，逸扵雲野，不羈不勞，得夫性之自然也。舉世觀者咸奇之，曰前者追風逐電，次者神駿超羣，後者舉足千里，此皆馬之良者也，不誣矣，抑孰知其人心之妙哉。夫寫馬者，非畫史也，皆金馬玉堂之貴客，雖游戲翰墨，先皆有得於心，然後應之扵手，不拘拘於毛色，而自入於神矣。若夫畫史之畫，拘拘於毛色者，得於彼者，必失於此，長於此者，又必短扵彼，夫豈可倫哉。矧父作扵前，子孫善繼扵後，父子之間，一道相傳，誠千載罕有也。嗟夫！圖之傳始得扵伯理，再傳於希和，表而出之，三馬所以象三公，後世子孫其必有位三公者歟！寳而珍之，其兆必此而張本耳。予喜而識之。洪煕元年秋九月朔日雲南元江軍民府儒學教授同邑袁衡書。 [印]: 稽古之學、筆補造化、竹深處
9. Chen Hongshou 陳洪綬 (1599–1652), 9 columns in semi-cursive script, undated; 2 seals:
There are many families which maintained their artistic tradition for three generations, such as the senior and the junior General Li [Li Sixun, active ca. 705 20, and his son Li Zhaodao, active mid-8th c.], the Ma family [Ma Yuan, active ca. 1190-1230, and his son Ma Lin, ca. 1180-after 1256], and the Mi family [Mi Fu, 1052-1107, and his son Mi Youren, 1074-1151]. However, it is nothing but brush and ink. What is more precious is the uninterrupted transmission of moral value and literary achievement from father to son and from grandfather to grandson. This is what I expect to see from Shenweng, whose late father’s posthumous title was Zhonglie. This is what I expect to see from Shenweng. Written by Hongshou at the request of Shenweng. [5] [Seals]: Chen Hongshou yin, Zhanghou fu
三世不失筆墨宗風，古來大、小李將軍、馬家父子、米家父子之類比比矣，又不過筆墨而已矣。古來父子祖孫以忠孝節義道德文學相傳不替者之貴耳。深翁先忠烈公，綬所望于深翁，綬所望于深翁。深翁先生屬，洪綬書。[印]: 陳洪綬印、章侯父
1. Hu Cheng 胡誠 (active early 15th c.), 5 columns in standard script, dated 1405; 3 seals:
Wang Jun, whose style name is Xihe, of Qingjiang [in Jiangsu] brought Grooms and Horses, a painting by the three generations of Songxue Zhai [Zhao Mengfu] in his collection, to show me at his leisure. I thus had the chance to appreciate the beauty of the former dynasty’s writings and the elegance of its artistic transmission, which is rare from past to present. The Book of Chu says: “The state of Chu has no treasure; it only has virtue as its treasure.” Xiho cherishes this scroll as a family treasure; he is a man of virtue too. I return it with great respect. Treasure it! Treasure it! On the twentieth of the third lunar month in the yiyou year, the third of the Yongle reign era [April 18, 1405], Hu Cheng, a former Advanced Scholar (jinshi), respectfully wrote. [Seals]: Haiwu Daoren, Zichi yinzhang, Shentong shijia
清江王均希和所藏松雪齋三世 《人馬圖》，暇日持以示余，余獲拜觀先朝文獻之懿，繼述之雅，亙古今而希有也。《楚書》 曰“楚國無以為寶，惟善以為寶。”希和寶此以傳家，其亦善人也。三肅以還，珍重珍重。永樂三年青龍在乙酉三月廿日前進士胡誠拜書。[印]：海屋道人、子持印章、神童世家
2. Shen Danian 沈大年 (active early 15th c.), 19 columns in semi-cursive script, dated 1403; 2 seals:
Master Zhao of Wuxing was respected in the former dynasty for his literary and political accomplishments. At his leisure he delighted himself with brush and ink. The refinement of his calligraphy and painting and the magic of his brushwork, therefore, were among the best under heaven. And his son and grandson were able to continue his aspiration. Mr. Wang Xihe of Qingjiang brought Grooms and Horses, a painting by the three generations of the [Zhao] family in his collection, to show me. Master Ziang [Zhao Mengfu] was the patriarch, Master Zhongmu [Zhao Yong] was the son, and Master Yanjing [Zhao Lin] was the grandson. Seeing them look ahead in attendance and observe the hierarchical order of seniority with deep familial affection, one understands that when the worthies gather their thought to move their brush, even the minor details of a painting confirm to the principles of cosmic order and humanity. When later generations spread out the scroll, filial piety will always fill their mind. In addition, the horses have sinewy tendons, yellowish knees, angular heads, and solid hoofs. Their eyes, in the shape of suspended bells, flash purplish lightening. They are so exquisite and beautiful. Their accessories seem to clank; their eyes seem to glare. They appear ready to fly, solid as they are. They deserve the emperor’s stable; the chariots’ bells ring [as they move]. Bole (7th c. B.C.) would not have needed Jiufang Gao (7th c. B.C.) to discern their [superiority]. Xihe is born of an illustrious family, always keen on upholding the principle of propriety. More and more elders of the community come to sing his praises. He is like a steed of natural virtue that is also well provided for. In the future when he enters the emperor’s stable and makes the chariot’s bells ring, I will verify his achievement against this painting. Having viewed this scroll, I respectfully wrote after it. On the fifth of the eleventh lunar month in the winter of the first year of the Yongle reign era [November 19, 1403] Assistant Gentleman for Ceremonial Service and Confucian School Instructor of the Linjiang Prefecture [in Jiangxi] Shen Danian of Qiantang [in Zhejiang] wrote. [Seals]: Shen shi Yuanshou, Qiantang shijia
吴興趙公文章政事見重前代，又以其餘暇適情於翰墨之内，故字畫之工、點染之神妙天下，而子孫亦克承其志焉。清江王氏希和持其所藏公家三世所作 《人馬圖》 以示余，蓋自子昂公為之祖，仲穆公為之子，彥敬公為之孫，睹其顧視隨立，尊卑秩然，親誼藹然，然後知名賢措思運筆，雖於圖寫之末，而寓乎天理人心之正，使後人於一展卷之頃，孝敬之心自不能不興起於其衷也。況闌筋麴膝，方首厚蹄，目如懸鈴，光流紫電，奇精妍態，宛如鏘如瞱如翔如實，可以充天閑而鳴和鑾也。又何必伯樂之經九方皋之囗，然後可以見之哉。希和今生名家，素勤待禮之教，鄉先生稱道之者日益著，是猶驥有其德，而又得其所養者，他日充天閑鳴和鑾，余將於此圖而徴希和之所至也。載閱是圖，敬書於後。時永樂元年冬十一月五日，將仕佐郎臨江府儒學教授錢唐沈大年書。 [印]： 沈氏原壽，錢塘世家
3. Chen An 陳安 (active early 15th c.), 12 columns in standard script, undated; 4 seals:
The three generations of the Zhao family painted the Grooms and Horses,
Each brush stroke of which is worth a thousand pieces of gold now.
Where did Mr. Wang get this painting?
From Mr. Xie, Vice Magistrate of Songjiang [in Jiangsu], so it was said.
Look at the first painting, which reflects great talent.
A descendant of the dragon-horse from the Wowa Lake [in Gansu], it has manes like dark jade.
Facing the menial standing by,
Its four snowy hoofs chill like the frigid sky.
Surveillance Commissioner Feiqing used to have it for enjoyment;
Mengfu’s lovely work will last a thousand years.
The brushwork of his son, Yong, and grandson, Lin, is even more refined.
The two horses are no inferior to Han Gan’s (active ca. 742–56).
The former is snow white with continuous coin patterns,
Whose two calves resemble cut jade and the other two look misty.
The latter, peach-colored with raindrop spots,
Has distinct white forehead and unique muscles and bone structure.
Two extraordinary creatures in leisurely manners,
Just like those paraded in the emperor’s stable.
There are innumerable genuine dragon-horses in the world.
Which of them can compete with what is seen here?
Ah! Everyone loves marvelous paintings,
Not just the nobles and the powerful.
I have finished inscribing my well-wishing for you.
May your sons and grandsons keep it forever!
Chen An [Seals]: Chushan, Chungong tushu, Rongtai yaqu, Danzhai
趙氏三世畫人馬，一筆在世千金價。
王君何處得此圖？傳云貳守松江謝。
試觀一疋才且雄，渥洼龍種蒼玉鬃。
奚官卻立儼相向，四蹄擁雪森寒空。
飛卿廉訪曾清玩，孟頫千載留香翰。
雍子麟孫筆更精，雙駿何須數韓幹。
前者雪擁鐡連錢，双蹄削玉双雲烟。
後者雨點桃花色，玉頂分眀筋骨別。
意態從容兩絕奇，迥若天閑初閱時。
世间無數真龍骨，見此孰與争光輝。
吁嗟妙畫世所[妙字點去]好，貴籍權門豈專好。
為君題罷祝君辭，子子孫孫永相保。
陳安 [印]： 處善、春宮圖書、容台雅趣、澹齋
4. Zou Hui 鄒誨 (active early 15th c.), 10 columns in semi-cursive script, undated; 3 seals:
Don’t you see, Sir,
Zhao Mengfu of Wuxing is unique in the fields of art and literature.
In the past he painted the horse with his mind,
Which, with bristly manes on a curved body, seems about to run wild.
The brushwork of his wonderful son was even better;
The image he drew far surpassed the steeds from the Wowa Lake.
Its angular, sharp ears resemble a pair of bamboo leaves;
Repeated circular patterns decorated its motley hair.
How fortunate that he had an outstanding grandson to continue the tradition;
One swifter steed was added to the scroll.
Covered with peach-blossom-spots all over,
It amazes people with its marvelous form.
[The painting’s] awesome loftiness is beyond reach,
Remaining in the world for over a hundred years.
Today [Wang] Jun showed me this scroll.
Spreading it out for appreciation by my window, I smile with joy.
People should not think that unknown horses
Will always be yoked to salt carts.
Upon encountering someone like Jiufang Gao,
They will be worth over a thousand pieces of gold with his approval.
Zou Hui [Seals]: Qiuxun, Panlin fengyue, Feng? Ge
君不見，
吳興趙孟頫，翰墨文章稱獨步。
當年運意寫龍媒，竪鬣拳身欲馳騖。
家傳令子筆更佳，寫來絕勝生渥洼。
稜稜銳耳擬雙竹，點點廻紋綴五花。
喜有賢孫能継紹，復添一匹追風驃。
滿身幻出桃花斑，令人動色嗟神妙。
景仰高風不可攀，百年遺蹟留人间。
今日逢均示此卷，臨軒展玩一開顔。
世間莫道無名馬，局促每困鹽車下。
相逢若得九方臯，一顧便溢千金價。
鄒誨 [印]： 求訓、泮林風月、鳳囗閣
5. Shanzhu 善住 (active early 15th c.), 6 columns in standard script, undated; 3 seals:
The three generations of the Duke of Wei [Zhao Mengfu] painted men-attended horses
Like [the famous] Purple Swallow, Black/white Patches, and White Nose.
Decorated with golden head-gears, they approach their stables;
Their hoofs stir jade-like [grass] and trample fallen flowers.
The grooms seem to come from somewhere beyond the desert;
The divine-spirited steeds look no different from those from the Wowa Lake.
Their images entered the painting and endured long in the world.
Aren’t they worth being presented to the imperial family?
Monk Shanzhu of Qingjiang [Seals]: Banxian, Songyun Daozhe, Yun yue shi tong
魏公三世寫人馬，紫燕青驄白鼻騧。
頭絡黃金趨伏櫪，蹄翻碧玉踏飛花。
奚官有若來沙漠，神駿無殊產渥洼。
貌入丹青傳世久，何當捧獻帝王家。
清江釋善住 [印]：半閒、松雲道者、雲月是同
6. Liu Yue 劉嶽 (jinshi degree, 1414), 3 columns in semi-cursive script, undated:
The images of the divine-spirited steeds from Lake Wowa
Are seldom seen in the world.
May this painting by the three generations of the Zhao family
Be preserved by Mr. Wang to last forever.
Liu Yue, Advanced Scholar (jinshi) of the jiawu year [1414]
渥洼神駿姿，天下不常有。
趙氏三代圖，王公存無朽。
甲午進士劉嶽
7. Li Jugong 李居恭 (active early 15th c.), 13 columns in cursive script, undated; 3 seals:
A great horse is not valued for its strength, but for its virtue. That is why a great horse is indeed like a gentleman. Tuizhi’s [Han Yu, 768–824] remarks on horses in his “Miscellaneous Essays” reveal profound thought. The Duke of Wei from Wuxing [Zhao Mengfu] had no rival in literary achievement. Though he was skilled at painting, it was not an important pursuit. The reason why he once painted Groom and Horse for Surveillance Commissioner Feiqing must be that Feiqing knew horses well too. The reason why Vice Magistrate Xie Boli, having kept it in his collection for several years, asked the Duke’s son, Yong, and grandson, Lin, to paint in succession must be that Boli was a horse-lover too. I came to Qingjiang to take an editorial position. Mr. Wang Xihe purchased this scroll and showed it to me. I appreciated it for a long while, feeling as if they were real great horses. How could Xihe have done this, had he not cherished elegant things deeply! Ah! As for those horse-loving gentlemen, I know they will certainly be loved themselves. Li Zhugong of Luling [present-day Ji’an, Jiangxi Province] [Seals]: Mengsheng, Li shi Jugong, Zhexuan
驥不稱其力稱其德也，故良馬君子實似之，退之〈雜說〉所謂馬其寄意深矣。吳興魏國公文章冠天下，工于畫，固其餘事也。嘗畫 《人馬》 以奉飛卿廉訪意者，飛卿其亦知馬者歟。同知謝伯理藏之數年，乃又請于公之子雍、公之孫麟畫以繼之意者，伯理其亦愛馬者歟。余來清江之校，王氏希和購得之，以示扵予，捧玩之久，宛然真良馬也。希和非篤好文雅，又安能然哉。吁！馬而好之君子，吾又知其必有好之者矣。廬陵李居恭 [印]： 濛生、李氏居恭、蟄軒
8. Yuan Heng 袁衡 (active early 15th c.), 22 columns in semi-cursive script, dated 1425; 3 seals:
The Grooms and Horses painted by the three generations [of the Zhao Family], acquired by Mr. Wang Xihe living in east Lincheng, used to be in the collection of Vice Magistrate of Yunjian [present-day Songjiang, near Shanghai] Xie Boli. The first section was by Academician Ziang [Zhao Mengfu], which rivals Han Gan’s work. The second one painted by his son, Zhao Yong, attests to the transmission of brushwork. The third by his grandson, Zhao Lin, was especially marvelous. Ah! Despite their different forms, the three horses share the same virtue. Despite their different appearances, the three men are all grooms. They come out of the emperor’s stable and run freely in the wilderness. Neither fettered nor exhausted, they fulfill their nature. All the viewers in the world are amazed, saying that the first one chases the wind and lightening, the second one’s divine spirit surpasses all the others, the last one covers a thousand miles for one gallop, and they are all superior horses. It is indeed so. But do they know about the subtlety of the human mind? Those who paint horses well are not [professional] painters, but dignitaries of the upper class. Although they only play with ink and brush, they all attain an understanding of their subject first, and then respond to it with their hands. Without being particular to hair colors, their portrayals naturally embody the horses’ spirit. Painters, on the other hand, are particular to hair colors. Their paintings, while capturing certain aspects, always lose the others. They are good at a few things, but always weak in handling the others. How can they stand a comparison? Moreover, the father painted it first, followed by his son and grandson. The continuous transmission from fathers to sons is rarely seen in a thousand years. Ah! The transmission of this scroll began with Boli and continued to Xihe, who made [its extraordinariness] manifest. Three horses may symbolize the rank of Three Dukes. Their descendants must someday attain the rank of Three Dukes. Treasure it dearly! It is an omen pointing to the future. I inscribed this with delight. Written on the first of the ninth lunar month in the autumn of the first year of the Hongxi reign era [October 12, 1425] by Confucian School Instructor in the Tribal Office of Yuanjiang in Yunnan Yuan Heng from the same town. [Seals]: Jigu zhi xue, Bi bu zaohua, Zhu shen chu
臨城東王氏希和所得三世 《人馬圖》 乃雲間別驾公謝伯理所藏也。一曰子昂學士寫，雖韓榦不讓矣。二曰其子趙雍寫，信其筆勢之有傳也。三曰厥孫趙麟作，寫之妙尤入神矣。噫！三馬異形而同德，三人異貌而同牧，出夫天廄，逸扵雲野，不羈不勞，得夫性之自然也。舉世觀者咸奇之，曰前者追風逐電，次者神駿超羣，後者舉足千里，此皆馬之良者也，不誣矣，抑孰知其人心之妙哉。夫寫馬者，非畫史也，皆金馬玉堂之貴客，雖游戲翰墨，先皆有得於心，然後應之扵手，不拘拘於毛色，而自入於神矣。若夫畫史之畫，拘拘於毛色者，得於彼者，必失於此，長於此者，又必短扵彼，夫豈可倫哉。矧父作扵前，子孫善繼扵後，父子之間，一道相傳，誠千載罕有也。嗟夫！圖之傳始得扵伯理，再傳於希和，表而出之，三馬所以象三公，後世子孫其必有位三公者歟！寳而珍之，其兆必此而張本耳。予喜而識之。洪煕元年秋九月朔日雲南元江軍民府儒學教授同邑袁衡書。 [印]: 稽古之學、筆補造化、竹深處
9. Chen Hongshou 陳洪綬 (1599–1652), 9 columns in semi-cursive script, undated; 2 seals:
There are many families which maintained their artistic tradition for three generations, such as the senior and the junior General Li [Li Sixun, active ca. 705 20, and his son Li Zhaodao, active mid-8th c.], the Ma family [Ma Yuan, active ca. 1190-1230, and his son Ma Lin, ca. 1180-after 1256], and the Mi family [Mi Fu, 1052-1107, and his son Mi Youren, 1074-1151]. However, it is nothing but brush and ink. What is more precious is the uninterrupted transmission of moral value and literary achievement from father to son and from grandfather to grandson. This is what I expect to see from Shenweng, whose late father’s posthumous title was Zhonglie. This is what I expect to see from Shenweng. Written by Hongshou at the request of Shenweng. [5] [Seals]: Chen Hongshou yin, Zhanghou fu
三世不失筆墨宗風，古來大、小李將軍、馬家父子、米家父子之類比比矣，又不過筆墨而已矣。古來父子祖孫以忠孝節義道德文學相傳不替者之貴耳。深翁先忠烈公，綬所望于深翁，綬所望于深翁。深翁先生屬，洪綬書。[印]: 陳洪綬印、章侯父
Abstract
Collectors’ seals
An Qi 安岐 (ca. 1683–ca. 1744)
Yizhou jianshang 儀周鑑賞
Guxiang Shuwu 古香書屋
Xinshang 心賞
An Yizhou jia zhencang 安儀周家珍藏
Yizhou zhencang 儀周珍藏
An Qi zhi yin 安岐之印
Chaoxian ren 朝鮮人
Qing Emperor Qianlong 清帝乾隆 (r. 1736–1795)
Qianlong yulan zhi bao 乾隆御覽之寶
Shiqu baoji 石渠寶笈
Yi zisun 宜子孫
Sanxi Tang jingjian xi 三希堂精鑑璽
Qianlong jianshang 乾隆鑑賞
Qianqing Gong jiancang bao 乾清宮鑑藏寶
Baoji chongbian 寶笈重編
Shiqu dingjian 石渠定鑑
Qing Emperor Jiaqing 清帝嘉慶 (r. 1796–1820)
Jiaqing yulan zhi bao 嘉慶御覽之寶
Qing Emperor Xuantong 清帝宣統 (r. 1909–1911)
Xuantong yulan zhi bao 宣統御覽之寶
Xuantong jianshang 宣統鑑賞
Wuyi Zhai jingjian xi 無逸齋精鑑璽
Zhu Pu 朱朴 (1900–?)
Zhu Xingzhai shuhua ji 朱省齋書畫記
Xingzhai 省齋
Wan zhi shuhua zhen youyi, que hui suiyue lai wuduo 晚知書畫真有益，卻悔嵗月來無多
Liangxi Zhu shi Xingzhai zhencang shuhua yi n梁溪朱氏省齋珍藏書畫印
Zhang Daqian 張大千 (1899–1983)
Jihai yihou suode 己亥以後所得
Bufu guren gao houren 不負古人告後人
Nanbeidongxi zhiyou xiangsui wu bieli 南北東西只有相隨無別離
Bieshi rongyi 別時容易
Daqian xi 大千鈢
Ni yan 昵燕
Qiu tu bao gurou qing 球圖寶骨肉情
Diguo zhi fu 敵國之富
Daqian 大千
Daqian haofa 大千豪髮
Zhang Yuan 張爰
Xu Wenbo 徐雯波 (b. ca. 1927–?)
Hongbin Tang ji 鴻繽堂記
Xu shi xiaoyin 徐氏小印
Gu Luofu 顧洛阜 (John M. Crawford, Jr., 1913–1988)
Hanguang Ge Zhu Gu Luofu jiancang Zhongguo gudai shuhua zhi zhang 漢光閣主顧洛阜鑑藏中國古代書畫之章
Hanguang Ge 漢光閣
Gu Luofu 顧洛阜
An Qi 安岐 (ca. 1683–ca. 1744)
Yizhou jianshang 儀周鑑賞
Guxiang Shuwu 古香書屋
Xinshang 心賞
An Yizhou jia zhencang 安儀周家珍藏
Yizhou zhencang 儀周珍藏
An Qi zhi yin 安岐之印
Chaoxian ren 朝鮮人
Qing Emperor Qianlong 清帝乾隆 (r. 1736–1795)
Qianlong yulan zhi bao 乾隆御覽之寶
Shiqu baoji 石渠寶笈
Yi zisun 宜子孫
Sanxi Tang jingjian xi 三希堂精鑑璽
Qianlong jianshang 乾隆鑑賞
Qianqing Gong jiancang bao 乾清宮鑑藏寶
Baoji chongbian 寶笈重編
Shiqu dingjian 石渠定鑑
Qing Emperor Jiaqing 清帝嘉慶 (r. 1796–1820)
Jiaqing yulan zhi bao 嘉慶御覽之寶
Qing Emperor Xuantong 清帝宣統 (r. 1909–1911)
Xuantong yulan zhi bao 宣統御覽之寶
Xuantong jianshang 宣統鑑賞
Wuyi Zhai jingjian xi 無逸齋精鑑璽
Zhu Pu 朱朴 (1900–?)
Zhu Xingzhai shuhua ji 朱省齋書畫記
Xingzhai 省齋
Wan zhi shuhua zhen youyi, que hui suiyue lai wuduo 晚知書畫真有益，卻悔嵗月來無多
Liangxi Zhu shi Xingzhai zhencang shuhua yi n梁溪朱氏省齋珍藏書畫印
Zhang Daqian 張大千 (1899–1983)
Jihai yihou suode 己亥以後所得
Bufu guren gao houren 不負古人告後人
Nanbeidongxi zhiyou xiangsui wu bieli 南北東西只有相隨無別離
Bieshi rongyi 別時容易
Daqian xi 大千鈢
Ni yan 昵燕
Qiu tu bao gurou qing 球圖寶骨肉情
Diguo zhi fu 敵國之富
Daqian 大千
Daqian haofa 大千豪髮
Zhang Yuan 張爰
Xu Wenbo 徐雯波 (b. ca. 1927–?)
Hongbin Tang ji 鴻繽堂記
Xu shi xiaoyin 徐氏小印
Gu Luofu 顧洛阜 (John M. Crawford, Jr., 1913–1988)
Hanguang Ge Zhu Gu Luofu jiancang Zhongguo gudai shuhua zhi zhang 漢光閣主顧洛阜鑑藏中國古代書畫之章
Hanguang Ge 漢光閣
Gu Luofu 顧洛阜
Rights Holder
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Identifier
1988.135
References
Wang Jie 王杰 et al. Midian zhulin shiqu baoji xubian 秘殿珠林石渠寶笈續編 (Catalogue of painting and calligraphy in the Qianlong imperial collection, second series). Preface dated 1793. Facsimile reprint of an original manuscript copy. 8 vols. vol. 1, Taipei: National Palace Museum, 1971, pp. 522–24.
Weng, Wan-go, and Thomas Lawton. Chinese Painting and Calligraphy: A Pictorial Survey: 69 Fine Examples from the John Crawford, Jr. Collection. New York: Dover Publications, 1978, cat. no. 21.
Suzuki Kei 鈴木敬, ed. Chûgoku kaiga sogo zuroku: Daiikan, Amerika-Kanada Hen 中國繪畫總合圖錄: 第一卷 アメリカ - カナダ 編 (Comprehensive illustrated catalog of Chinese paintings: vol. 1 American and Canadian collections) Tokyo: University of Tokyo Press, 1982, pp. 100–1, cat. no. A15-031.
Shih Shou-ch'ien, Maxwell K. Hearn, and Alfreda Murck. The John M. Crawford, Jr., Collection of Chinese Calligraphy and Painting in the Metropolitan Museum of Art: Checklist. Exh. cat. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1984, pp. 21, 23, 39, cat. no. 37.
Sun Yueban 孫岳頒 et al. Peiwen Zhai shuhua pu 佩文齋書畫譜 (Encyclopedic compilation of writings on calligraphy and painting of the Peiwen Zhai Studio). Preface dated 1708. Reprinted. Shanghai: Shanghai guji chubanshe, 1991, vol. 4, pp. 619–20.
Fong, Wen C. Beyond Representation: Chinese Painting and Calligraphy, 8th–14th Century. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1992, pp. 432–34, pls. 100, 100a.
Bian Yongyu 卞永譽. Shigu Tang shuhua huigao 式古堂書畫彚考 (Studies of calligraphy and painting of the Shigu Tang Studio). Preface dated 1682, juan 11. Reprinted in Zhongguo shuhua quanshu 中國書畫全書 (Compendium of classical publications on Chinese painting and calligraphy) Edited by Lu Fusheng 盧輔聖. Shanghai: Shanghai shuhua chubanshe, 1993–2000, vol. 6, pp. 1080–81.
Wang Keyu 汪砢玉. Wang shi shanhu wang minghua tiba 汪氏珊瑚網名畫題跋 (Inscriptions on famous paintings from the Coral Net). Preface dated 1643. Juan 20. Reprinted in Zhongguo shuhua quanshu 中國書畫全書 (Compendium of classical publications on Chinese painting and calligraphy) Edited by Lu Fusheng 盧輔聖. Shanghai: Shanghai shuhua chubanshe, 1993–2000, vol. 5, p. 1056.
Zhao Mengfu 趙孟頫. Zhao Mengfu huaji 趙孟頫畫集 (Paintings by Zhao Mengfu) Shanghai: Shanghai shuhua chubanshe, 1995, pp. 6–10, 63–67, cat. no. 2.
Harrist, Robert E. Jr., and Virginia Bower. Power and Virtue: The Horse in Chinese Art. Exh. cat. New York: China Institute in America, 1997, pp. 88–89, cat. no. 19.
Hearn, Maxwell K. How to Read Chinese Paintings. Exh. cat. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2008, pp. 10–13, cat. no. 2.
Silbergeld, Jerome, and Dora C. Y. Ching, eds. The Family Model in Chinese Art and Culture. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2013, p. 439, figs. 1–3.
He Muwen 何慕文 (Hearn, Maxwell K.). Ruhe du Zhongguo hua: Daduhui Yishu Bowuguan cang Zhongguo shuhua jingpin daolan 如何读中国画 : 大都会艺术博物馆藏中国书画精品导览 (How to read Chinese paintings) Translated by Shi Jing 石静. Beijing: Beijing daxue chubanshe, 2015, pp. 10–13, cat. no. 2.
Weng, Wan-go, and Thomas Lawton. Chinese Painting and Calligraphy: A Pictorial Survey: 69 Fine Examples from the John Crawford, Jr. Collection. New York: Dover Publications, 1978, cat. no. 21.
Suzuki Kei 鈴木敬, ed. Chûgoku kaiga sogo zuroku: Daiikan, Amerika-Kanada Hen 中國繪畫總合圖錄: 第一卷 アメリカ - カナダ 編 (Comprehensive illustrated catalog of Chinese paintings: vol. 1 American and Canadian collections) Tokyo: University of Tokyo Press, 1982, pp. 100–1, cat. no. A15-031.
Shih Shou-ch'ien, Maxwell K. Hearn, and Alfreda Murck. The John M. Crawford, Jr., Collection of Chinese Calligraphy and Painting in the Metropolitan Museum of Art: Checklist. Exh. cat. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1984, pp. 21, 23, 39, cat. no. 37.
Sun Yueban 孫岳頒 et al. Peiwen Zhai shuhua pu 佩文齋書畫譜 (Encyclopedic compilation of writings on calligraphy and painting of the Peiwen Zhai Studio). Preface dated 1708. Reprinted. Shanghai: Shanghai guji chubanshe, 1991, vol. 4, pp. 619–20.
Fong, Wen C. Beyond Representation: Chinese Painting and Calligraphy, 8th–14th Century. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1992, pp. 432–34, pls. 100, 100a.
Bian Yongyu 卞永譽. Shigu Tang shuhua huigao 式古堂書畫彚考 (Studies of calligraphy and painting of the Shigu Tang Studio). Preface dated 1682, juan 11. Reprinted in Zhongguo shuhua quanshu 中國書畫全書 (Compendium of classical publications on Chinese painting and calligraphy) Edited by Lu Fusheng 盧輔聖. Shanghai: Shanghai shuhua chubanshe, 1993–2000, vol. 6, pp. 1080–81.
Wang Keyu 汪砢玉. Wang shi shanhu wang minghua tiba 汪氏珊瑚網名畫題跋 (Inscriptions on famous paintings from the Coral Net). Preface dated 1643. Juan 20. Reprinted in Zhongguo shuhua quanshu 中國書畫全書 (Compendium of classical publications on Chinese painting and calligraphy) Edited by Lu Fusheng 盧輔聖. Shanghai: Shanghai shuhua chubanshe, 1993–2000, vol. 5, p. 1056.
Zhao Mengfu 趙孟頫. Zhao Mengfu huaji 趙孟頫畫集 (Paintings by Zhao Mengfu) Shanghai: Shanghai shuhua chubanshe, 1995, pp. 6–10, 63–67, cat. no. 2.
Harrist, Robert E. Jr., and Virginia Bower. Power and Virtue: The Horse in Chinese Art. Exh. cat. New York: China Institute in America, 1997, pp. 88–89, cat. no. 19.
Hearn, Maxwell K. How to Read Chinese Paintings. Exh. cat. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2008, pp. 10–13, cat. no. 2.
Silbergeld, Jerome, and Dora C. Y. Ching, eds. The Family Model in Chinese Art and Culture. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2013, p. 439, figs. 1–3.
He Muwen 何慕文 (Hearn, Maxwell K.). Ruhe du Zhongguo hua: Daduhui Yishu Bowuguan cang Zhongguo shuhua jingpin daolan 如何读中国画 : 大都会艺术博物馆藏中国书画精品导览 (How to read Chinese paintings) Translated by Shi Jing 石静. Beijing: Beijing daxue chubanshe, 2015, pp. 10–13, cat. no. 2.