The Artful Recluse

Reclusion - the act of disengaging from worldly affairs for spiritual and moral cleansing - was a concept deeply associated with the ancient Chinese civilization. The theme of reclusion, or yin, was especially prevalent during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, a period of unrivalled artistic a [...]
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Reclusion - the act of disengaging from worldly affairs for spiritual and moral cleansing - was a concept deeply associated with the ancient Chinese civilization. The theme of reclusion, or yin, was especially prevalent during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, a period of unrivalled artistic achievement. This beautifully illustrated exhibition catalogue invites the viewer deep into the world of 17th century China. Nearly 60 hanging and hand scrolls, albums, and fans - many never seen before in print - reveal how the educated elite expressed their thoughts and ideals through depictions of the landscape, birds, flowers, fish, and insects. Accompanied by penetrating essays on the subject, these works celebrate the extraordinary skill with which the period's artists communicated the simple pleasures of living with nature.