The First Prose Poem on the Red Cliff, 1555
Wen Zhengming (1470-1559)
Chinese, Ming dynasty
Hanging scroll; ink on paper
Founders Society Purchase, Robert H. Tannahill Foundation Fund
76.3

The Chinese concept of our fleeting existence in the boundless universe is expressed in Wen Zhengming's painting and calligraphic rendition of Su Dongbo's classic poem written in 1082. Three scholars are depicted contemplating life and nature over wine on a moonlight Yangzi River cruise at the foot of the scenic Red Cliffs. Part of the poem reads:

The clear breeze over the river, or
the bright moon between the hills,
These we may take...free,
And they will never be used up.
These are the endless treasures of the Creator,
Here for you and me to enjoy together.