GAI QI (1774-1829)

Details
GAI QI (1774-1829)

Legend of the Cowherder and the Weaving Maiden

Hanging scroll, ink and color on silk, 46¼ x 12¼in. (117.5 x 31cm.)

Entitled and inscribed with a poem

Signed: Qixiang Gai Qi

One seal of the artist: Yu Hu Shan Ren

Lot Essay

According to the legend, a beautiful celestial maiden came to earth to bathe. A cowherder happened upon the maiden and stole her clothes. Upon their meeting the maiden and the cowherder fell in love. The parents disapproved of the couple and so divided them by the stars. However, the couple are permitted to meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh month.