Celebratory scene

China

Not on view

Dozens of guests and family members converge at a reception hall to pay their respects to an honored couple. Despite the absence of written inscriptions, the imagery of the work identifies the event and its setting: the birthday party of the celebrated Tang-dynasty general Guo Ziyi (697–781) at his residence. According to legend, Guo had many sons and grandsons, all of whom were highly successful in their official careers.

By the seventeenth century, Guo’s reception had become a metaphor for auspicious birthday celebrations in general. It was frequently depicted on large works that were given as congratulatory gifts to distinguished individuals.

Celebratory scene, Set of 12 hanging scrolls; silk embroidery and paint on satin, China

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Celebratory scene, Set of 12 hanging scrolls; silk embroidery and paint on satin, China
Celebratory scene, Set of 12 hanging scrolls; silk embroidery and paint on satin, China
Celebratory scene, Set of 12 hanging scrolls; silk embroidery and paint on satin, China
Celebratory scene, Set of 12 hanging scrolls; silk embroidery and paint on satin, China
Celebratory scene, Set of 12 hanging scrolls; silk embroidery and paint on satin, China

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