Zhao Mengfu Writing the Heart Sutra Pillow

This handscroll, painted in 1542–43 by the Ming dynasty professional artist Qiu Ying, illustrates a story about the great Yuan dynasty calligrapher Zhao Mengfu (1254–1322), who is said to have transcribed the Buddhist Heart Sutra for a priest in exchange for tea. The tale echoes an even older legend of the calligrapher Wang Xizhi trading his brushwork for a flock of geese, part of a Chinese literary tradition celebrating art exchanged for simple, worldly pleasures. Qiu Ying, based in Suzhou, was renowned for painting refined historical and literary subjects like this one for wealthy patrons.

Jacquard-woven both sides in soft, durable yarn; insert included.