Nov 10, 2009
May 26, 2010

Paintings after Ancient Masters: Chrysanthemum

Paintings after Ancient Masters: Chrysanthemum

老蓮橅古: 菊花

1598–1652

Part of a set. See all set records

Chen Hongshou 陳洪綬

(Chinese, 1598/99–1652)

China, Ming dynasty

(1368–1644)

Album leaf; ink and color on silk

Overall: 30.2 x 26.7 cm (11 7/8 x 10 1/2 in.)

John L. Severance Fund 1979.27.2.17

Description

Poet Tao Yuanming (365–427 CE) turned down a career as an official in politically turbulent times to return to his home estate, northwest of Mount Lu, to write poetry and enjoy his garden and wine. As he grew chrysanthemums, Tao is associated with this flower.

The artist Chen Hongshou, active in Zhejiang province, suffered through the violent transition from the Ming to the Qing dynasty around 1644. This painting of chrysanthemums alludes to the poet who lived a millennium earlier during similarly fraught times.

See also
Collection: 
ASIAN - Album leaf
Department: 
Chinese Art
Type of artwork: 
Painting

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