Nymph of the Luo River

This masterpiece, Nymph of the Luo River, is a priceless Song dynasty copy of a lost classical painting. It brings to life the romantic prose poem Ode to the Nymph of the Luo River, written centuries earlier by the legendary poet Cao Zhi (192–232 AD) of the Three Kingdoms period. Through captivating visual storytelling, it recounts a touching tale of encounter, admiration, and parting.

As the handscroll unfurls, it reveals the entire narrative — from the poet’s first sight of the nymph, their mutual attraction, to their inevitable farewell. The nymph, with ribbons fluttering as if gliding over waves, is surrounded by mythical creatures and cloud-borne chariots, building an enchanting, otherworldly scene. The painter masterfully translates the passage of time into spatial progression, allowing the viewer to step into this romantic legend scene by scene.

The painting’s core appeal lies in its poetic romance. Rather than aiming for realism, it uses flowing lines, rhythmic composition, and strategic emptiness to evoke a lingering, emotive mood. This harmony between poetry and painting turns the scroll itself into a wordless love poem, conveying beauty and sorrow that transcends time.