Children at Play in an Autumnal Garden

Children at play, a subjectaffiliated to the genre painting, prevailed during the Northern and Southern dynasties (960-1279).This work is believed to be created by Su Hanchen, Painter-in-Attendance serving the Imperial Painting Academy during the reign of Emperor Huizong (1082-1135).

Su was good at illustrating Buddhist and Taoist figures, especially infants and toddlers. This work shows a scene of a little sister and her brother, playing a game called spinning dates on a round stool in the courtyard during the autumn. Though simple in plot, this painting is rich in details. Dressed in pants and jackets with exquisite patterns, the two toddlers wear the fashionable hairstyles during that time. An ornamentalTaihu rock shape erects in the background, surrounded by hibiscus, chrysanthemums, plums, and camellias, all of which are autumn flowers. On the ground and the other black-lacquered stool nearby are fine toys such as a game board, a miniature pagoda and a pair of cymbals. This painting not only reflects the customs of the Song Dynasty, but also tries to raise the awareness of modesty and humility.