"golden valley garden was the palatial country villa of shi chong, a wealthy man of the western jin dynasty in war-torn third century china. The golden valley garden was the setting for many of shi chong’s opulent gatherings and banquets. His women would sing and dance for the guests, but if any of them displeased him, he would have them executed on the spot. Although cruel, shi chong was also deeply cultured. Shi chong loved one woman, called green pearl. Widely celebrated for her beauty, she was also an accomplished flautist. In the painting, he listens intently to her playing. Both came to a tragic end, however. "
—chester beatty library. Date: 1732. Place of creation: China. Dimensions: 178.9 × 94.1 cm. Medium: ink and colors on paper. Collection: Shanghai Museum. Golden Valley Garden, Hua Yan
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