Flowers and Plants

ca. 1810s

Chinese, 1768-1822

Swift brushstrokes underscore the confidence of Chen Hongshou, an artist skilled in calligraphy, painting, seal carving and teapot designs. In the cursive inscriptions Chen acknowledges his inspiration from ancient masters, yet distinct features characterize his work-such as his "boneless" style, creating the impression of a close-up view by painting a fragment of the plant.

Ink and color on paper

Overall: 12 13/16 x 19 7/16 in. (32.6 x 49.3 cm)

Image: 10 3/8 x 17 1/2 in. (26.4 x 44.4 cm)

Gift of Patricia and Thomas Ebrey, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum

2008.1.8

Provenance: Zhang Baoshi章保世 (1886-after 1934); Sotheby's, March 27, 1996, item 444; Thomas and Patricia Ebrey

Photo: Elizabeth Mann

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Chinese Art: A Seattle Perspective, Dec. 22, 2007 - July 26, 2009.

Published ReferencesThe Shanghai Museum, "Illustrated Catalogue of Selected Works of Ancient Chinese Calligraphy and Painting", vol.5 pp 36-366

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