清 趙之謙 芍藥 扇面|Peony

Art Historical Context

Behold the exquisite *Peony* by Zhao Zhiqian, a masterful Qing dynasty (1644–1911) artwork dated 1862. This folding fan, now elegantly mounted as an album leaf, measures 7 x 20¾ inches (17.8 x 52.7 cm) and is rendered in ink and color on shimmering gold-flecked paper. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art Department, it was a generous gift from Robert Hatfield Ellsworth in memory of La Ferne Hatfield Ellsworth in 1986. In Chinese culture, peonies symbolize prosperity, honor, and feminine beauty, often celebrated in poetry and painting as the "king of flowers." Zhao Zhiqian captures their lush petals with delicate precision, blending ink's fluid lines with vibrant colors against the opulent gold-flecked ground, which evokes imperial luxury and enhances the flower's radiance. The fan format was a cherished portable art form during the Qing era, ideal for scholars and collectors to admire during gatherings or carry as a personal treasure. This piece exemplifies late Qing literati refinement, where everyday objects like fans became canvases for poetic expression. Its transformation into an album leaf preserves its intimacy, inviting modern viewers to savor the enduring elegance of Chinese floral artistry.

About the Artist

Zhao Zhiqian · 1829–1884

Chinese, 1829–1884