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Washing the White Elephant, Ming dynasty (1369-1644), late 16th century. Creator: Unknown
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Washing the White Elephant, Ming dynasty (1369-1644), late 16th century. Creator: Unknown
Washing the White Elephant, Ming dynasty (1369-1644), late 16th century. After Zhang Sengyao or Qian Xuan
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 24378113
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Brush Cleaning Product Elephant Handscroll Hygiene Hygienic Ink And Colours On Paper Ming Ming Dynasty Priest Scroll Towel Washing White Elephant Metaphor Scrubbing Brush
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This print titled "Washing the White Elephant" takes us back to the late 16th century during China's Ming dynasty. Created by an unknown artist, possibly Zhang Sengyao or Qian Xuan, this artwork showcases a profound metaphorical concept through ink and colors on paper. In this mesmerizing handscroll painting, we witness a man dressed as a priest diligently scrubbing a majestic white elephant with a large brush. The image beautifully captures the meticulousness of his actions and emphasizes the importance of hygiene and cleanliness in religious practices. The vibrant robes worn by both the man and the elephant add splashes of color against the backdrop of ancient China's landscape. This piece not only represents cultural heritage but also serves as a testament to artistic excellence during that era. Displayed at the Art Institute of Chicago, this artwork is part of their Arts of Asia collection. It invites viewers to delve into Chinese history while contemplating themes such as health, religion, and tradition. As we gaze upon this intriguing scene frozen in time, it sparks curiosity about its deeper meaning: Is it merely an act of physical cleansing or does it symbolize spiritual purification? Regardless, "Washing the White Elephant" stands as an enigmatic masterpiece that continues to captivate art enthusiasts worldwide.
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