Peony

ca. 1700

Chinese, active early 18th century

A little known painter of the early Qing period, Sun Yi was said to have specialized in painting flowers and birds, grass and insects, while also excelling in landscapes and human figures. Of the few paintings that are attributable to him, this painting is unusual, because Sun Yi deliberately paints the peony in white, reminding the viewer of its fleeting beauty. The accompanying inscription reads:

Stone bridge, west bank, painting east of the bridge,
She asks that the rouge be made more red.
Even amid wealth and honor there is desolation,
No place to entrust roots to face the eastern breeze.

(Translated by Professor Jan Walls)

Sun Yi thus subverts the usual association of peony with prosperity, which will inevitably come to an end.

Ink and color on paper

Overall: 51 3/16 x 19 11/16in. (130 x 50cm)

Gift of Stephen and May Tse in honor of Mimi Gardner Gates

2009.20

Provenance: Stephen and May Tse

Photo: Elizabeth Mann

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, "Chinese Art: A Seattle Perspective", December 22, 2007 - July 26, 2009 (12/22/2007 - 7/26/2009)

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

Learn more about Equity at SAM