size of the original painting: unknown
Look at this snapshot of China in the 1500’s. That’s more than 500 years ago! There are so many interesting details to look at and think about, especially when you take time to look around. Tang must have enjoyed painting people and clothing. Notice how he captured everyone in motion, how carefully he drew the folds in their clothes, and how he showed a variety of hairstyles. He also took time to add in all those leaves, flowers, and scenes in the paintings.
What else do you notice?
To Think About:
• What season/time of day do you think it is?
• What things might you smell?
• What sounds would you hear?
• How many colors can you find?
• How does this scene make you feel?
• What part of this scene would you want to be in?
• Who are all these people?
• Why do you think they have gathered together?
• What do you think the women on the balcony are talking about?
• How long did it take them to do their fancy hair?
• Who do you think owns this house?
• What questions do you have about this painting?
Can You Spy . . .
• A tree growing in the house
• A bamboo forest
• A dog
• A watering can
Meet the Artist:
Tang Yin grew up in an ordinary family (his dad owned a restaurant), but he had an exceptional mind. With his intelligence and lots of effort, Yin hoped to receive a political position in the Ming Dynasty—the highest achievement for a Chinese scholar. And at his first Imperial Examination, Yin received the highest score. The next year, he also received one of the highest scores. But he and a friend were accused of bribing examiners to look at the test questions before taking the test. Although history says Yin didn’t cheat (and his friend did), both of them went to jail, and Yin’s dream disappeared.
Very sad, Yin turned to painting. And fortunately, art was another of Yin’s talents. In fact, he became one of the most famous Chinese painters, and his work influenced many other artists.
Something to consider: if Yin had become a political scholar, would as many people in the future still be talking about him?
Fun facts about Tang:
• In addition to art, Tang excelled at poetry and became one of the “Four Literary Masters of the Wuzhong Region.” His poems often analyze selfishness and greed.
• There are a lot of paintings by Tang Yin that he didn’t title—like this one. What would you call it?
Where in the world: China
