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Mandarin Ducks and Red Plum

ca. 1900

Japanese, 1851 - 1918

In this pair of hanging scrolls, the artist has successfully conveyed a sense of space and movement using varying brush techniques and materials. On the right is a pair of mandarin ducks, an emblem of marital fidelity and bliss. The pair huddle together below a blossoming red plum tree branch, which is painted in exquisite detail. On the left, two carp swim underneath floating water-plants. These Asian fish have long been associated with perseverance and strength for their ability to swim against the current. Shotei provides a sense of the water’s clarity by skillful shading and delicate use of ink wash.

Color on silk

Overall h.: 87 7/8 in.

Overall w.: 23 7/8 in.

Image h.: 48 1/2 in.

Image w.: 15 3/4 in.

Diameter roller: 1 in.

Gift of Griffith and Patricia Way

97.71.1

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, "A Sack Full of Tigers: Diffusion and Diversity in Japanese Painting of the 19th Century Diffusion and Diversity in Japanese Painting", December 6, 1997 - November 15, 1998

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