Entering the City Gate

The artist Qian Du produced this handscroll as a commission for an official named Jiang Yinpei, celebrating his return from exile at a post by the Great Wall. Qian Du wrote in his colophon:

“In the spring of the guiwei year [1823] when Mister Bosheng returned from the frontier, we met at Lanyang xingguan [an inn for officials on tour]. At his instruction, I painted Entering the City Gate.” 

Exile was a common reason for Chinese officials to travel far distances. It was unpleasant because of the destination’s harsh conditions, but more importantly, although some people would later return home, an exile indicated the end of one’s career path. However, the exiled literati sometimes contributed enormously to the cultural landscape of the locale in which they were exiled. Educated men usually enjoyed respect and privilege. They might promote cultural literacy in the local communities and sometimes would serve local military officials as a family tutor.

After about a year’s exile, Jiang was fortunately able to return home. He left a few poems describing his experience in China's northwest border but kept silent about that difficult time when compiling a book of his poetry. His excitement about returning home led him to request a painting to remember the long-awaited moment.