Flowers of Four Seasons, with Poems

Wang Guxiang

In this painting, flowers are loosely arranged by the seasons: narcissus and peony represent early spring; yellow loquat and lotus, summer; chrysanthemum, autumn; and the plum and evergreen bamboo, winter. The artist added to each flower a poetic line of calligraphy associating each plant with a historic or legendary figure. For example, the chrysanthemum, along with the line “The untrammeled joy at the eastern fence,” refers to the poet Tao Yuanming (died AD 427) who enjoyed chrysanthemums at the eastern fence in his garden. The scroll illustrates Wang Guxiang’s mastery of free brushwork, combining light monochrome ink with transparent colors. In his inscription, Wang says he used the “boneless” style without outlines as developed during the Yuan dynasty (1279–1368). Wang was a native of Changzhou, a city in southeast China known for its rich flora and fauna, and flower-and-bird painting tradition.

Artwork details

Artist: Wang Guxiang
Date: 1531
Medium: handscroll; ink and light color on silk
Dimensions: Painting only: 24 x 545 cm (9 7/16 x 214 9/16 in.); Overall: 24 x 547.5 cm (9 7/16 x 215 9/16 in.)
Culture: China, Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
Collection: Chinese Art

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landscape artwork · 59746 × 2476 pixels

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Artwork total

Rs. 1024

Artwork cost: Rs. 1000

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Size / customization

Artwork size: 24" × 1"

Whole-inch standard sizes may trim a small amount from the edges. Artwork is never stretched.