Plum and Narcissuses in Winter, from Seasonal Flowers (Translation)
芝僊益壽 近現代 孔宣 紙本設色 (Primary Title)

Kong Xuan, Chinese, 1873 - 1926 (Artist)

1923
Chinese
Works On Paper
One of four hanging scrolls; ink and color on paper
Overall (each scroll, including bar): 97 × 27 in. (246.38 × 68.58 cm)
2009.306.4
Not on view

Rendered in remarkable brushwork and light colors, Kong Xuan’s scrolls depict the four seasons: (from right to left) orchid and peony for spring, lotus and asparagus fern for summer, chrysanthemum and pine branch for autumn, and blossoming plum and narcissus for winter.

Born in Qufu, Shandong Province, Kong Xuan spent most of his life in Shanghai. Characterized by a painterly style and effects of light and shadow, Kong's art generates an immediate appeala nd a decorative beauty, symbolizing harmony between nature and mankind.

Modern period (1912-present)
子瑜 Ziyu
宣印 Xuan yin; 宣 Xuan
芝僊益壽, 癸亥孟春味青盧子瑜摹古 (Fungus promises a prolonged life, painted by Ziyu in the archaic style at the Weiqing Studio in the first month of the spring of the guihai year).
Kathleen Boone Samuels Memorial Fund
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC

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