Heron and Lotus

Dateca. 18th century

Maker Yan E Chinese, active ca. 18th century

Inscription by Shen Tingzhao Chinese, active ca. 18th century

Label TextIn his poem, Shen Tingzhao refers to the white egret as a “fine young gentleman” wearing fluttering garment tassels, using Tang-dynasty poet Du Mu’s famous analogy. Shen also describes verdant lotus leaves playing peek-a-boo with red-petaled lotus blossoms, adding the experience of more colors to his collaboration with Yan E, who uses gold paint on a dark, indigo paper instead of the usual black ink on white paper. Little is known about the two artists except some of their literary work. They were active in the Suzhou area, where Yan E was a physician and self-described “lazy painter” who made the occasional work of which he always felt proud.

Object number2013.24.2

ProvenanceMrs. Donald E. Frederick, Seattle; upon her death, by inheritance to her granddaughter Carol Padelford, Seattle

Photo CreditPhoto: Elizabeth Mann

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Boundless: Stories of Asian Art, Feb. 8, 2020 - ongoing [on view Dec. 10, 2021 - July 24, 2022].

Credit LineGift of Carol Padelford

Dimensions44 x 12 1/2 in. (111.8 x 31.8 cm)

MediumGold and silver on indigo paper