Artwork

Spotkanie Ośmiu Nieśmiertelnych

Spotkanie Ośmiu Nieśmiertelnych, by Qiu Ying, unspecified, 1533
Spotkanie Ośmiu Nieśmiertelnych, by Qiu Ying, unspecified, 1533

Spotkanie Ośmiu Nieśmiertelnych is an unspecified painting by Qiu Ying. It dates from 1533 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1533 by the Chinese painter Qiu Ying, this vertical hand‑scroll measures a modest height and is framed by a stark white border against a muted brown ground. The composition centers on a solitary tree surrounded by a small group of figures, set before a distant architectural structure.

Subject & Meaning

The scene portrays a gathering of eight immortal beings, a motif drawn from Daoist legend. The figures, some seated on rocks and others standing, appear engaged in quiet contemplation beneath the tree, suggesting themes of longevity, harmony with nature, and the transcendence of the mortal realm.

Technique & Style

Executed in fine brushwork, the painting displays meticulous attention to detail: each leaf is rendered individually, and the garments of the participants are rendered in vivid hues that contrast with the overall subdued palette. The use of line and color reflects Qiu Ying’s courtly style, merging precise rendering with decorative richness.

History & Provenance

The work entered the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw, where it remains on display. Its presence in a European institution highlights the broader 20th‑century interest in Chinese Ming‑dynasty painting and the movement of Asian art into Western public holdings.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Qiu Ying

Artist

Qiu Ying

Chinese, ca. 1495–1552