Washing the Elephant, Hanging Scroll
Min Zhen
Qing Dynasty
- MEDIUM:Ink and color on paper
- FORMATS:Hanging scroll
- DIMENSIONS:Height 224 cm; Width 120 cm
Introduction
This painting depicts two arhats washing an elephant. Min Zhen rendered the arhats’ robes with broad, expressive strokes, while carefully detailing their facial features. The elephant is lightly inked, appearing slow yet full of life. The subject of “washing the elephant” carries two traditional interpretations. One stems from a Beijing custom from the Ming and Qing dynasties: each June, elephants kept by the imperial court were bathed in the city moat, attracting large crowds and symbolizing renewal. The other reflects a Chan (Zen) Buddhist teaching of “cleansing illusions.” In both cultural contexts, the elephant represents harmony, well-being, and a peaceful, prosperous era. Elephants were rare in daily life and played essential roles in court rituals. Min Zhen, who spent time in the capital painting portraits for the sixth-generation Chan school, likely observed such imperial tribute elephants firsthand. This firsthand experience is evident in the lifelike accuracy and vitality of the elephant in this painting.
