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Retiring from Court Li Sung (fl. ca. 1190-1264), Sung Dynasty
Album leaf, ink on paper, 24.5 x 25.2 cm



   Following the central axis of the building shown here takes the viewer from the entrance to the interior along a symmetrical arrangement. This building complex, surrounded by covered walkways, is built directly atop an elevated slab-faced foundation, which has a curb and pier at each end. The entrance hall rests on a tall platform with sloping (entasis) walls and has bracketing and an elevated terrace. A series of steps lead up to the central bay with a railing on either side and the triangular "elephant-eye" pattern below, which correlates to the Sung technique illustrated in Ying-tsao fa-shih (Building Standards). The tall central structure behind has a double-eave roof with a cross-shaped ridge and flying rafters. The ch'ih-wen ornaments at the ends of the main ridge have wide-open mouths and tall curving tails, which are typical of the style from the Sung, Chin, and Liao periods. A animal cap lies below the corner ornaments.
    Li Sung, a native of Chekiang, was famous for ruled-line painting and served as a court artist under Emperors Kuang-tsung, Ning-tsung, and Li-tsung in the Southern Sung. This work is similar to another work signed by Li Sung in the Museum collection; Dragon Boat.
    This is the twelfth leaf from the third album of "Yen-yun chi-hui."

 

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