Scroll painting--orchids
Place made:China
Culture: Chinese
Period: Qing dynasty
Dynasty: Qing
Date: 19th century
Medium: Ink on paper
Dimensions:
scroll: 72 x 28 3/4 in.; painting: 30 x 20 1/4 in.
Credit Line: San Antonio Museum of Art, gift of Carol Lee Klose
Object number: 95.50.4
Label Text
For centuries, plum blossoms, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum belong to a grouping called “four gentlemen.” These humble plants are able to withstand harsh environments and suggest maintenance of one’s principles even under unfavorable conditions, a virtue promoted by Confucianism. The orchid is particularly favored for its light fragrance. The artist used fast-moving brush strokes of various tones to paint the blossoming orchids, while dots and light ink wash were applied to paint the rocks. The diagonal composition of the painting is balanced with a short poem:
Just at [orchid] blossoming, fragrance flows at Guyu [late April],
Spring is indeed here in the valley, uninterrupted.
The painting was created as a personal gift for the artist’s friend, whom he respectfully addressed as the “senior brother, Wuqing.” The blossoming orchid and poem are both appropriate for this occasion.
Just at [orchid] blossoming, fragrance flows at Guyu [late April],
Spring is indeed here in the valley, uninterrupted.
The painting was created as a personal gift for the artist’s friend, whom he respectfully addressed as the “senior brother, Wuqing.” The blossoming orchid and poem are both appropriate for this occasion.
On view
In Collection(s)
The San Antonio Museum of Art is in the process of digitizing its permanent collection. This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect SAMA's complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of such records is ongoing.
This resource has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor.
