Artwork
Nine Songs
Nine Songs is an unspecified painting by the Ming dynasty painting artist Zhang Wo. It dates from 1361 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1361 by Zhang Wo, a 14th‑century painter from Hangzhou, *Nine Songs* is a hand‑scroll composed of nine sequential ink images. Each panel presents a solitary figure in flowing robes, set against a muted beige ground with sparse foliage. The work is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection.
Subject & Meaning
The series visualizes scenes drawn from the ancient poetic anthology known as the *Nine Songs*. Each figure embodies a different lyrical moment, suggesting varied emotional states and actions—some standing, others seated, a few holding objects—reflecting the poems’ themes of ritual and personal expression.
Technique & Style
Executed in monochrome ink on paper, the panels employ delicate brushwork characteristic of Yuan‑era court painting. Zhang Wo’s handling of line and wash shows the influence of Li Gonglin, especially in the graceful rendering of robes and the understated treatment of trees and plants that frame the figures.
History & Provenance
Zhang Wo worked within the Ming painting tradition despite being active during the late Yuan period. After remaining in Chinese collections for centuries, the scroll entered the holdings of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed as part of the museum’s Asian art holdings.
Artist & collection
Artist
Zhang Wo (or Zhang Wu, Chinese: 張渥), courtesy name as Shuhou, sobriquet as Zhenqisheng and Jianghaike, is a famed Chinese painter who was active during the Yuan Dynasty.
