博
Artist: Jin Rui
Date: Ming (1368-1644)
Material: Ink and color on paper
Gift of Hong Fumei
Jin Rui, also known by his zi (designated name) Ruqian and hao (literary name) Yijing, was a native of Qibao in Huating (present-day Jinjiazhai along the Xiaolai River, Puhui Pond, Jiuting, Songjiang, Shanghai). As the father of Jin Rui, the famous Yongle era painter Jin Xuan (1361-1436) was also known by his zi Wending and hao Shangsu. Jin Xuan profoundly influenced Shen Zhou and Shen Zhou's father and uncle (Shen Zhen and Shen Heng), regarded as a "forerunner of the Wu School". The Fisherman's Song at Dusk was Jin Xuan's surviving work. Jin Rui's brother, Jin Dun, also known by his zi Ruli, obtained the position of zhongshu sheren (chancellery attendant) with his skilled calligraphy. Both Jin Rui and Jin Dun excelled in painting and inherited their father Jin Xuan's style. This hanging scroll depicts a deep and beautiful scene of streams and mountains, capturing the styles of both Ju Ran and Wu Zhen. The brushwork is vigorous yet subtle and moist. It shows that the three outstanding members of the Jin family were all important forerunners of the Wu School of painting.
