Artwork

Part of Story of The Western Chamber

Part of Story of The Western Chamber, by Unknown, 1766
Part of Story of The Western Chamber, by Unknown, 1766

Part of Story of The Western Chamber is a print by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1766 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

You see a long, narrow scroll filled with tiny figures in a garden: scholars, servants, and lovers moving through pavilions and moon gates.

You see a long, narrow scroll filled with tiny figures in a garden: scholars, servants, and lovers moving through pavilions and moon gates.

This piece is one panel from a much larger story—the *Western Chamber*, a famous Chinese romance. The artist used woodblock printing with separate carved blocks for each color, layering them like a puzzle. The technique was at its peak in the 1700s, but no one knows who carved or printed this exact version.

To see more of this style, look up qing dynasty (1644–1911).

Overview

This print is one panel from a larger narrative work, Part of Story of The Western Chamber, a renowned Chinese romance. It is a woodblock print, characterized by intricate, layered colors.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts a serene garden with numerous figures, including scholars, servants, and lovers, navigating through architectural features like pavilions and moon gates.

Technique & Style

The print was created using multiple carved blocks, each for a different color, showcasing the advanced woodblock printing technique prevalent during the Qing dynasty.

History & Provenance

Dating to a period when color woodblock printing was at its peak, likely in the 1700s, the exact creator of this print remains unknown.

Context

This work is associated with the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), a period marked by significant developments in Chinese art and printing techniques.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.