Ode to the Goddess of the Luo River

Description

Ode to the Goddess of the Luo River
China, Qing dynasty (1644–1912) to Republic era (1912–49)
19th to early 20th century
Photographic reproduction on rice paper
Gift of Dulany's Gallery, 1982/2.4

The subject of this painting is the legendary goddess of the Luo River,
a theme based on a well-known ode by Cao Zhi 曹植 (192–232), which
is inscribed at the top of the scroll. In the ode, Cao professes his love
to the goddess and records her emotional responses, while using
vivid, passionate metaphors to describe her fair complexion, fantastic
garments, and magnificent jewelry. The narration culminates in the
goddess's dramatic departure in a chariot drawn by six dragons and
accompanied by a multitude of celestial spirits. In the final paragraph,
Cao conveys his profound sorrow at their separation and at the
thought of returning home without her.
This is a hand-colored copy by an unknown artist of a famous
painting by Fei Danxu 費丹旭 (1802–1850), a professional painter
known for his portraiture and figure painting who was trained by
Gai Qi 改琦 (1774–1829; his Lady in Her Study with Attendants is also on
display in this gallery). Fei Danxu was particularly skilled at depicting
women’s delicate facial features.

(Chinese Gallery Rotation, Summer 2025)