Weighing Books 1500 - 1532

"Weighing Books" is a handscroll painting created by Guo Xu, a prominent artist of the Ming Dynasty, in the early 16th century. The painting depicts three scholars, two standing and one seated, under a pine tree and a fence, engaging in a conversation likely focused on literature. The monochrome ink on paper creates a subtle and atmospheric scene, typical of Guo Xu's style. This work is a testament to Guo Xu's skill and his keen observation of the natural world, demonstrating the importance of intellectual pursuits in Chinese culture. "Weighing Books" is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.