Heron and Lotus
ca. 18th century
Yan E
Chinese, active ca. 18th century
In 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.
Gold and silver on indigo paper
44 x 12 1/2 in. (111.8 x 31.8 cm)
Gift of Carol Padelford
2013.24.2
Provenance: Mrs. Donald E. Frederick, Seattle; upon her death, by inheritance to her granddaughter Carol Padelford, Seattle
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
