Ode on Returning Home 14th - 15th century

"Ode on Returning Home," a 14th-15th century handscroll painting by the Yuan dynasty artist Qian Xuan (1239-1301), depicts a serene scene of two figures traveling by boat on a body of water with distant mountains in the background. The scroll, currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, exemplifies the literati style of painting, emphasizing elegant brushwork and a minimalist aesthetic. Qian Xuan’s subtle use of washes to create a sense of depth and atmosphere highlights the quiet tranquility of the scene. The numerous seals scattered across the scroll, a hallmark of Chinese ink painting, indicate the artwork's esteemed status and its passage through various collections throughout history.