Page 139 - Yamanaka co Auction catalog

215-TEAKWOOD SCREEN WITH GLASS PAINTINGS
THE STORYOFLI TAl PER
This remarkable work of the Ch'ien-Iung period is in nine
folds, each containing an elaborately carved teakwood panel
at top and bottom, and, between these, three panels of glass
paintings framed in teakwood carvings of varied motive.
The principal panels are brilliant paintings on glass, done
with an exquisite precision of execution, depicting the life of
Li Tai Peh, China's most celebrated poet, in seven episodes.
The story is read, as always in Chinese, from right to
left. Li is first seen at his home, reading and medi-
tating in his pleasant garden, a fan bearer at his back
and a servant bringing more books. Next he appears dis-
coursing to some friends, also in a garden, and a boy is
fetching the cup to which the poet was notoriously addicted.
His devotion, however, did not impair his learning; when the
emperor received some foreign letters which none at the
court could read, the ministers told him that the one man
in the kingdom who could translate them was Li Tai Peh;
and in the next following panel is found the noble emissary
sent by the Son of Heaven to summon the poet's services,
accompanied by attendants and the imperial gifts.
Next, another scene at Li's home: the poet in vinous slum-
ber on his half-overturned wine jar, his book boy raising
a respectful detaining finger toward a letter-bearer with
the announcements from the Dragon Seat. The succeed-
ing panel pictures Li in courtly garb, riding a white horse
and accompanied by attendants bearing books and manu-
scripts, on his way to the palace of Hiian Tsung, the em-
peror, before whom he is next shown, putting the letters
into Chinese text while the monarch looks on, seated be-
tween two fan bearers. Last, Li has returned to his home
and his cups, and in front of him are two servants, their
shoulders laden with the imperial bounty.
In the lower panels are found the wonderfully skilful paint-
ings of birds and flowers for which the Chinese painters
on glass were especially noted.
Height, 6 feet II inches; length, 11 feet 4% inches.
(Illustrated)