Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Li Ping'er Inviting Adultery and Attending a Banquet
Li Ping'er Inviting Adultery and Attending a Banquet

Li Ping'er Inviting Adultery and Attending a Banquet

Original Language Title李瓶兒迎奸赴會（金瓶梅插畫冊）
Album TitleIllustrations of Scenes from The Plum in the Golden Vase (Jin Ping Mei)
CultureChinese
Date18th century
MediumAlbum leaves, ink and color on silk
DimensionsImage: 15 1/2 x 12 1/2 inches (39.37 x 31.75 cm)
Sheet: 19 1/2 x 14 1/2 inches (49.53 x 36.83 cm)
Credit LinePurchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust through the George H. and Elizabeth O. Davis Fund
Object number2006.18.4
InscribedUpper right
On View
Not on view
Collections
DescriptionThe twelve album leaves were painted on silk in rich colors and meticulous details. Each bears a cartouche on the upper right of the mount. The inscription identifies each episode from the popular novel, the Jinpingmei (Gold Vase Plum). Eleven of the twelve leaves display figures in architectural settings, and one leaf is dominated by a river landscape.Gallery Label

This album leaf is from an erotic yet satirical novel from the late 1500s. The novel tells the story of several daring concubines and mistresses in the circle of a corrupt merchant, Master Ximen. The leading women, Golden Lotus (Pan Jinlian) and Little Vase (Li Ping’er), not only enjoy seducing men but also plot malicious schemes to gain access to their affluent lifestyles.

To convey both the luxurious lifestyle and eroticism in the novel, the painters depict these women with fashionable hairdos and colorful outfits. Looking closely, some women slip their tiny bound feet from under their long skirts, subtly suggesting they are available.

Little Vase, whose husband died only a few days before, poses in a travel rickshaw, indicating her eagerness to meet her new love, Master Ximen.

Information about a particular artwork or image, including provenance information, is based upon historic information and may not be currently accurate or complete. Research on artwork and images is an ongoing process, and the information about a particular artwork or image may not reflect the most current information available to the Museum. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about a particular artwork or image, please e-mail provenance@nelson-atkins.org.