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Shi
Xiangyun
An
Ho, 1993, watercolor on silk mounted on rice paper using traditional
Chinese technique, 54" x 88"
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Matriarch's paternal great niece, Shi Xiangyun visits the Jia
house from time to time to take part in the various activities
Baoyu and others have organized to amuse themselves. Orphaned
as a child, Xiangyun grew up under the watchful eyes of her uncle
and aunt. Lacking wealth and social connections, she lives in
taxing reduced circumstances and relies heavily on needlework
to earn her keep. She therefore looks forward to her visits to
the Jias as diversions from her usually dreary, monotonous existence.
Attractive, outgoing, and outspoken, she contrasts sharply with
Daiyu in personality and conduct and often provokes jealous outbursts
from Daiyu. The matching gold unicorns Xiangyun and Baoyu have
appear to suggest a possible relationship between them later in
their lives. A talented poet, she authors a linked verse with
Daiyu which the "unshaved nun" Maioyu completes. As for her ending,
the Main Register and the commentaries hint at several possibilities:
1. She marries but soon lives alone after separating from her
husband; 2. She marries Baoyu after the fall of the Jia house;
and 3. She dies shortly after she marries. In the sequel, Xiangyun
is happily married but soon loses her husband. |
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