Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 9early 1650s · Study 1975.22.9

Context from the museum

Leaf 9 Zhou Yi's colophon reads: Ancient trees share the slanting rays of the setting sun. Chilly ravens hover round their branches. The leader of the flock thinks this a good place to rest, Evening being the time for returning. This flock is the so-called filial crow, Who, in disgorging their own food [to feed the young], have compassionate hearts. Were the people in the world all like this, Fine talent would be everywhere.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

A detail to notice

The winter landscape turns ocher at dusk, and the birds roost for the night.

Observation supplied by the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected image measurement for Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 9 is 17.3 cm wide and 12.6 cm high, equivalent to approximately 6.8 × 5.0 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 1.37:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.02 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 5.8% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 141.3 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 9 in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, album leaf, ink and color on silk, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this horizontal composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 17.3 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?