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Three Laughing Friends
Three Laughing Friends

Three Laughing Friends

Artist (Chinese, 1672 - 1734)
Dateapprox. 1670-1734
DynastyQing dynasty (1644-1911)
MaterialsInk and colors on paper
DimensionsH. 71 in x W. 20 in, H. 180 cm x W. 50.8 cm (image); H. 84 in x W. 22 1/4 in, H. 213.4 cm x W. 56.5 cm (overall)
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB65D56
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsPainting
On View
On view
InscribedGao’s inscription retells the famous story of the “Three Laughing Friends,” which is the subject of his painting: Tao Yuanming [Tao Qian, 365–427] of the Jin dynasty was an accomplished scholar of Confucianism. Lu Xiujing [406–477], the master of the six recluses, was studying the goodness of the Way [Tao]. Great Master [Huiyuan] was a teacher of the Buddhist doctrine who could explain dreadful or prohibited matters; he lived on Mount Lu. When he sent his guests off, he would show them the way to Tiger Stream [but would never cross it]. One day Tao and Lu called on Huiyuan. Their conversation was so congenial that Huiyuan crossed Tiger Stream unintentionally. When they realized it, they all laughed loudly. [This story] has been handed down as the “Three Laughers.” Qieyuan, Gao Qipei, with inked fingernails.
More Information

By the tenth century, Tao Yuanming emerged in literary and artistic references as one of three men celebrated for their reclusive natures and buoyant spirits. Joining Tao were Lu Xiujing (406–477), a Daoist monk based in Jiankang (Nanjing), and Hui Yuan (334–416), a Buddhist monk from a temple in Mt. Lu in southeastern China. For many years Hui had never ventured beyond Tiger Stream—the other side of which was the haunt of tigers—even when walking with his two friends. One day the three, immersed in conversation, unintentionally crossed the stream and heard tigers roaring in warning. Laughing by the water, the three departed. They became known as “the three laughing men.”

In this painting by Gao Qipei, Hui, flanked by Tao and Lu, stand on a hill in front of the gushing waterfall just after crossing a bridge. Tao’s long hair, covered with a winged hat, identifies him as a mountain man in seclusion.