Exhibitions

Painting with Words: Gentleman Artists of the Ming Dynasty

April 16, 2016 – July 24, 2016

Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
1050 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC

Sublevel 1, Main Galleries and NE 1/2

See on Map Floor Plan

Poetry, painting, and calligraphy: Known as the “Three Perfections,” these genres were regarded as the ultimate expressions of Chinese literati culture during the Ming dynasty (1369–1644). Members of the Wu School, centered on the affluent city of Suzhou and nearby towns, earned admiration for their interpretations of these art forms. Painting with Words celebrates Wu School works, examining the relationship between their imagery, brushstrokes, and, especially, words. Selections are drawn from the Freer|Sackler—home to one of the best Wu School collections in the country—as well as other museums and collections.

Painting with Words: Gentleman Artists of the Ming Dynasty is organized by the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery with generous support from the Ellen Bayard Weedon Foundation.