The Drunken Poet Li Po Being Assisted Home

Artist Unknown

CultureChinese

Date16th century

MediumHanging scroll; ink and color on silk

DimensionsImage: 57 × 44 1/4 inches (144.78 × 112.4 cm)
Mount: 66 3/4 × 52 inches (169.55 × 132.08 cm)

Credit LineGift of Bronson Trevor in honor of his father, John B. Trevor

Object number76-10/9

On View

Not on view

Collections

East Asian Art

Terms

Gallery Label

This painting shows the celebrated poet Li Bai (701–762 C.E.) riding a donkey, a working animal that signifies Li’s humility. Two servants help carry the drunken poet home. Li composed many innovative poems while drunk. His great literary achievements and eccentric lifestyle inspired many followers.

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