Artwork
Swinging Gibbon
Swinging Gibbon is an unspecified painting by the Ming dynasty painting artist Xia Gui. It dates from 1202 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Swinging Gibbon, painted in 1202 by the Chinese artist Xia Gui, is a modestly sized work that resides in the Cleveland Museum of Art. The composition centers on a single gibbon suspended from a slender branch, set against a muted, light‑brown backdrop that suggests an outdoor setting without elaborate detail.
Subject & Meaning
The painting captures a gibbon mid‑swing, its dark fur contrasted by a pale face, grasping a thin twig with one hand. The animal’s curved posture and extended arm convey a sense of kinetic grace, emphasizing the natural agility and playful spirit associated with the species in Chinese artistic tradition.
Technique & Style
Xia Gui employs a restrained brushwork that balances ink wash with subtle color washes, allowing the gibbon’s form to emerge through fluid lines. The foliage and tree trunk are rendered with minimal strokes, creating texture and depth while maintaining the overall simplicity characteristic of Southern Song landscape aesthetics.
History & Provenance
Created during the Southern Song dynasty, the work later entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed as part of the museum’s Asian painting holdings. Its provenance traces back to private collections before acquisition by the museum in the 20th century.
Artist & collection
