Former Counsellor Xu You Washing His Ears in the Ying River as the Sage Chao Fu Leads His Ox Away c. late 17th century

Curator: This is Ch'ui-Å­n's "Former Counsellor Xu You Washing His Ears in the Ying River as the Sage Chao Fu Leads His Ox Away," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The composition immediately strikes me—the subdued ink tones and delicate washes create a sense of tranquil remove. Curator: Indeed, the act of washing ears in the river is a potent symbol of rejecting worldly affairs and the corrupting influence of power. Editor: And Chao Fu's departure with his ox further emphasizes this rejection; notice how the artist uses the negative space to accentuate their isolation. Curator: The image resonates deeply within Chinese cultural memory, representing the virtues of integrity and a simple life lived in harmony with nature. Editor: The brushstrokes themselves, particularly in the rendering of the pine tree, reveal a mastery of technique conveying texture and form with minimal means. Curator: Ultimately, this work invites us to reflect on the choices we make and the values we embrace, both individually and collectively. Editor: Yes, its aesthetic restraint amplifies its philosophical resonance.