Page 56 - Bonhams UK Marsh Collection Art for the Literati November 2, 2022

The scene on the present lot is reminiscent of depictions of an episode It is significant that a red-capped crane stands to the side, since
from The Romance of the Western Chamber (Xixiang ji), when scholar cranes are not only symbols of longevity, but, when combined with a
Zhang is returning to the monastery after having passed the Imperial qin (carried by one of the attendants), forms a rebus for yiqin yihe (一
civil service examinations. However, the scholar's beard indicates he is 琴一鶴) which denotes an incorruptible official. This refers specifically
of a more advanced age. The rider of the horse is not easy to identify, to Zhao Bian of the Song dynasty, who served as a censor in Sichuan
but he is clearly someone of considerable importance. An attendant Province. There he lived a pure life with his qin and his pet crane. It is
holds a formal canopy over the rider, indicative of high rank. Preceding probable that it is Zhao Bian who is depicted on this brushpot.
the horse are two soldiers, carrying very long ceremonial staves over
their shoulders.

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