Chinese Painting: Aquatic Imagery in Chinese Art
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Lotus Pond and Waterfowl, Attributed to Gu Deqian, Southern Song dynasty, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)
Asian Gallery (Toyokan) Room 8
June 6, 2023 (Tue) - July 9, 2023 (Sun)In China, pictures of lotuses, waterfowl, and fish have been symbols of fertility to wish for the prosperity of one's offspring and success in life since ancient times. Crabs and shrimps were also popular subjects because of their shapes and names, and as symbols of longevity and of success in the civil service examinations. Chinese artists have used a variety of creative techniques in ink and colors to depict these creatures moving freely in the water in an attractive way. This exhibition provides an overview of aquatic imagery from the Song Dynasty to the modern era.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Lotus Pond and Waterfowl | Attributed to Gu Deqian (dates unknown), China | Southern Song dynasty, 13th century | TA-142 | ||
| Highlight | Fish | By Qi Baishi (1863–1957), China | Republic period, 20th century | TA-268 | |||
| Highlight | Miscellaneous Flowers and Plants | By Xu Wei (1521–93), China | Ming dynasty, 1575 | Gift of Mr. Takashima Kikujirō, TA-304 |