Emperor Hsuan-tsung (1399-1435)

Ming dynasty

Original: Hanging scroll, ink and color on paper, 162.3 x 127.7 cm.

The painting depicts three apes playing by a mountain stream. One ape hangs from a tree grasping a loquat fruit in his paw. The female ape is seated on a rock clasping her baby, which stretches one arm toward its father begging for a piece of fruit. The relationships between the three apes seem almost human in nature.

Emperor Hsuan-tsung of the Ming dynasty was named Chu Chan-chi. The name of his reign period was Hsuante (1426-1435). During his reign, the capitol was located in Peking. Excelling in calligraphy and painting, the Emperor's landscapes, figures, birds, flowers and insects were equal to those of the Sung Emperor Hui-tsung(c. 1101-1125).