Chicks

Chinese, 1864 - 1957

Painted with a few brushstrokes, these lively chicks epitomize Qi Baishi's principle that a depiction should lie between "likeness and non-likeness." Too much likeness, he continues, "is vulgar, whereas too much emphasis on abstraction is deceptive." Qi's convincing characterization of the chicks recalls his humble childhood spent in a village.

Ink on paper

Overall: 88 x 18 1/2 x 21 1/8 in. (223.5 x 47 x 53.7 cm)

Image: 40 1/2 x 13 15/16in. (102.9 x 33.8cm)

Bequest of Frank D. Stout

98.47.84

Provenance: Frank D. Stout (1921–1998)

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)

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