Mountain Villa in a Green Expanse

Weng Tonghe was from Changshu, Jiangsu province. He had a successful political career, and became the tutor of Qing dynasty emperors Tongzhi (r. 1861-1875) and Guangxu (r. 1875-1908). He is, however, also known for his calligraphy. The inscription on the first page [EA1966.2.a] reads: ‘The album of sixteen leaves on the remains of Mount Yu is the real original work of Shigu xiansheng [aka Wang Hui (1632-1717)]. I have painted copies over ten times, but never got a satisfying one. [For] the current copy, [I] shut my doors for months, and there was absolutely no distracting noise. [I] look at [it and feel that] although the brushwork and colours do not follow the regulations of painting, [I] have managed to get a slightly similar appearance.’

Details

Title

Mountain Villa in a Green Expanse
Artist/maker

Weng Tonghe (1830 - 1904)

after Wang Hui (1632 - 1717)
Associated place

China (place of creation)

Jiangsu province (Mount Yu) (subject)
Date

1902
Material and technique

ink and colour on paper
Material index

paper
Technique index

painted;

brush drawing
Object type

painting
Dimensions

mount 32.2 x 41.1 cm (height x width)
painting 27.4 x 34.3 cm (height x width)
No. of items

1
Credit line

Purchased, 1966.
Museum location

not on display
Museum department

Eastern Art
Accession no.

EA1966.2.c

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Catalogue text

Weng Tonghe was from Changshu in Jiangsu province. He came top in the public examinations of 1856 and was rewarded with numerous high ranking official positions. In 1898 he retired from public life. He was a skilled calligrapher, and also a writer; his poetry and diaries are published.

In: Vainker, Shelagh, Chinese Paintings in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford (Oxford: Ashmolean Museum, 2000)