Flowers of the Four Seasons
Qing dynasty (1644–1911), 18th/19th century
Medium
Hanging scroll; ink and colors on paper
Dimensions
136.2 × 70.7 cm (53 5/8 × 27 7/8 in.)
Classification
hanging scroll
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
60503
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Meticulously outlined and colored with a finely tapered brush, these multiseasonal flowers—including iris, peony, lotus, poppy, lily, narcissus, chrysanthemum, nandina berry, and plum—display a draftsman-like style mastered by court artists. The inscription on this painting attributes its image of floral abundance to Yongrong, the sixth son of the Qianlong emperor (r. 1735-95). Prince Yongrong supervised the Imperial Household Department, which served diverse needs of the emperor and his family ...