《宣南雅集》

作者: 张朋

清代，宣武门以南地区被称作“宣南”，大体上便是原宣武区的管辖范围。人们在天桥一带表演、观看杂耍等民间娱乐，进京赶考的学子也到这里的会馆住宿，于是形成了南城特有的天桥民俗文化、大栅栏商业文化、琉璃厂士人文化的风貌，并逐渐演变为一个具有独特意蕴的地域文化概念，那就是“宣南文化”。《宣南雅集》用雅人四好“琴棋书画”表现了士人集会的场景,“梅兰竹菊”四君子的图案则表现出士人精神的高洁。

　　

During the Qing Dynasty, the area south of Xuanwumen was known as "Xuannan," roughly corresponding to the jurisdiction of the former Xuanwu District. This region became a hub of cultural activities, where people performed or enjoyed folk entertainment near Tianqiao, while students traveling to the capital for imperial examinations stayed in nearby guild halls. Over time, this unique blend of Tianqiao folk traditions, Dashilan's commercial culture, and Liulichang's scholarly culture gave rise to the distinct regional identity known as "Xuannan Culture."
The artwork "Elegant Gatherings in Xuannan" portrays scenes of scholarly gatherings through the refined pursuits of "guqin, game of go, calligraphy, and painting." It also incorporates the imagery of the "Four Gentlemen" — plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum — symbolizing the noble spirit of the literati.