Lot Essay
US$38,700-51,600
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Details
QI BAISHI (1863-1957)
Calligraphy and Red Peony
Two fan leaves mounted and framed, ink and colour on paper
Each fan leaf measures 19.4 x 54.5 cm. (7 5/8 x 21½ n.)
Inscribed and signed, with two seals of the artist
Note:
The peony is considered in Chinese culture to be the King of Flowers, symbolic of wealth, riches and good fortune. Its subtle fragrance, alluring colours and graceful form are admired by all. Qi would go to the parks in Beijing and observe the flowers' various characteristics in every blossoming season (Qi took up residence in Beijing at the age of 55). His precise execution in composition can also be seen here, where the peony is elegantly rendered on a fan. Fan paintings have held an important place in Chinese painting history and are often seen to be more complex than paintings on flat paper, as the folds of the fan and its shape need to be taken into careful consideration during composition. In this example, Qi's daring creativity and innovative use of space highlights a peony that is rendered in the boneless style and taking up a large part of the fan, and is painted in varying tones of red accompanied by dark leaves and branches. According to the text of Hu Peiheng, Qi painted many peonies in his 90's, usually in vermillion, to express the flower in its magnificence and glory.
Calligraphy and Red Peony
Two fan leaves mounted and framed, ink and colour on paper
Each fan leaf measures 19.4 x 54.5 cm. (7 5/8 x 21½ n.)
Inscribed and signed, with two seals of the artist
Note:
The peony is considered in Chinese culture to be the King of Flowers, symbolic of wealth, riches and good fortune. Its subtle fragrance, alluring colours and graceful form are admired by all. Qi would go to the parks in Beijing and observe the flowers' various characteristics in every blossoming season (Qi took up residence in Beijing at the age of 55). His precise execution in composition can also be seen here, where the peony is elegantly rendered on a fan. Fan paintings have held an important place in Chinese painting history and are often seen to be more complex than paintings on flat paper, as the folds of the fan and its shape need to be taken into careful consideration during composition. In this example, Qi's daring creativity and innovative use of space highlights a peony that is rendered in the boneless style and taking up a large part of the fan, and is painted in varying tones of red accompanied by dark leaves and branches. According to the text of Hu Peiheng, Qi painted many peonies in his 90's, usually in vermillion, to express the flower in its magnificence and glory.
Sale Room Notice
Please note the provenance of this painting: Lot 267, 16 January 1989, Fine Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Chinese Paintings, Christie's Hong Kong.
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Ben Kong
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