Zhang Ruitu 1570-1641

signed Ruitu, inscribed, and with one seal of the artist, rui tu

- Overall in good condition. - Some light wears can be found along the edges, particularly on the first and the last scrolls. - Some minor restoration of wormholes and crackings can be found. - One minor stain spot can be found on the first scroll. - A conjunction line can also be found at the middle of each scroll.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Artist's inscription:
On the painting of an Elegant Gathering at West Garden.
Li Boshi (Li Gonglin, 1049-1106) painted this painting after General Xiaoli (Li Zhaodao, 675-758) of the Tang. It is colored. The springs, rocks, clouds, as well as the vegetation are all virtuosic and affecting. The human figures with elegant hair are all lifelike, conveying the sense of reclusion in nature and without one bit of vulgarity. It was no common painting. Among the figures, the one wearing a black cap and a yellow Daoist robe and holding a brush to write is Master Dongpo (Su Shi, 1037-1101). The one watching him in an 'Immortal Peach' cap and a purple coat is Wang Jinqing. The one in a head-cloth and blue robe, sitting at the square desk and watching intently is Danyang Cai Tianqi, and the one holding his chair and watching is Li Ruishu. Behind him is a female servant, with a cloud-shaped topknot and jade jewellery, standing leisurely and exuding an elegant charm. She is Jinqing¿s concubine. A solitary pine is bent and with dense leaves. Above it are twisting clouds, such that red and green are interwoven. Below is a large flat boulder with ancient vessels and a zither, surrounded by a plantain tree. The spectator seated next to a boulder, in a Daoist cap and purple clothes, with his left arm on the boulder and right hand holding a scroll is Su Ziyou. The intent spectator in a head cloth and a silk robe and holding a plantain-leaf fan is Huang Luzhi. The one with a rough head cloth, seated at a handscroll and painting Tao Yuanming's Returning Home is Li Boshi. The one leaning in a head cloth and blue robes is Chao Wujiu. The one kneeling by a rock and studying the painting is Zhang Wenqian. The one in a Daoist head cloth and plain robes, with his arms around his knees and looking downwards is Zhang Jinglao. Behind him stands a boy servant holding a longevity staff. There are two men seated under an ancient juniper tree with gnarled roots. The one in a head cloth and blue robes and listening with folded hands is Qin Shaoyou. The one in a zither-end cap and purple Daoist robes playing a pipa is Chen Bixu. The one in a Tang-style cap and long robe, with his head raised and inscribing a rock is Mi Yuanzhang (Mi Fu, 1051-1107). The one looking upwards in a head cloth and with folded hands is Wang Zhongzhi. In front of them there is an urchin with disheveled hair holding an ancient ink stone. Behind them is a stone bridge. A winding, bamboo-lined path leads deep into a pure stream. The bamboo leaves are thick and luxuriant. In the middle, Monk Yuantong, in a kasaya and seated on a cushion, is explaining Buddhist teachings. Next to him, listening intently in a head cloth and dark-colored clothing, is Liu Juji. The pair are seated together on a strange boulder, beneath which a large stream rushes rapidly. Water flows slows and rushes against rocks. Wind and bamboos are absorb each other. Smoke flows elegantly from the stove. The grasses and trees are fragrant. Such is the pleasure of reclusion in nature--how can it be easily enjoyed by those who see the dangers of the realm of fame and fortune and yet refuse to retreat from it? Aside from Dongpo, there are sixteen others. They are all known for their writings and debates, broad knowledge and discernment, brilliant rhetoric and calligraphy, and love of and curiosity about the ancients. Heroic and uncommon talents, outstanding Buddhists and Daoists, they are lofty and elegant, renowned near and far. For those who view this painting afterwards, not only is it impressive to see, but we also seem to hear their names and deeds. Ruitu.