Chrysanthemum Immortal

late 1920s

1871 - 1933

According to legend, this beautiful boy was favored by the Chinese Emperor Mu of the Zhou dynasty (1045-256 B.C.), but was sent into exile because of the jealousy of the emperor's consorts and other attendants. Clad in an elegant salmon-pink garment, the young boy stands alone on the edge of a cliff. He inscribes on chrysanthemum leaves magical words of protection, granted by the emperor, and floats them in the stream below. The water turns into a source of immortality and the boy remains forever young.

Contrasting with the atmospheric depiction of deep space and the impressionistic treatment of water, the meticulous brushstrokes in the foreground heighten the calm and grace of the figure.

Ink and colors on silk.

95 1/2 x 25 7/8 in. (242.6 x 65.7cm)

Gift of Griffith and Patricia Way, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum

2010.41.20

Not currently on view

Resources

Published ReferencesMichiyo, Morioka; Berry, Paul. "Modern Masters of Kyoto: The Transformation of Japanese Painting Traditions," Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 1999, p. 128, illus. 23.

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