Illustration of the Spring Purification Gathering at the Orchid Pavilion

Ming dynasty (1368�1644), Yongle period (1403�24), dated 1417

Original composition by Li Gonglin (ca. 1049�1106); copied by Zhu Youdun Prince of Zhou; (1379�1439); engraved in 1417

Handscroll, ink rubbed on paper; 22.1 x 489.0 cm; illustration section: 17.9�18.1 x 329.1 cm

Date of rubbing not given, probably Qing dynasty (1644�1911)

Inventory number: Biaozhou 776

The Lanting xu (Preface to the Orchid Pavillion) is one of the most famous essays in Chinese cultural history.� Composed and written by the Eastern Jin literatus Wang Xizhi (ca. 307�ca. 365) in 353, it has long commanded canonical status as a prime example of fine Chinese calligraphy.� The original manuscript of the preface is lost, but the calligraphy has been preserved through a number of tracing copies, engraved stones, and rubbings.

Throughout the centuries, Wang's preface as well as the convivial social and literary gathering it commemorated have inspired many pictorial representations and commentaries; compilations of scrolls and albums that combined various "Lanting" pieces became popular among collectors and connoisseurs.

This item is one such artifact.� The long handscroll contains rubbings of the preface, inscriptions, and colophons dated 1417 by Zhu Youdun (1379�1439), who later in 1425 inherited the title Prince of Zhou, and a pictorial composition by Zhu Youdun based on that of the Northern Song artist Li Gonglin (ca. 1049�1106).� The pictorial section of the handscroll is also notable for the two-tone technique used to make the rubbing.