清 佚名 夏花圖 扇|Summer Flowers

Art Historical Context

Behold *Summer Flowers*, a exquisite 18th-century folding from China's Qing dynasty (16441911), crafted by an unidentified artist. This delicate artwork measures 16⅝ × 29¼ inches when open, featuring vibrant ink and color on gold paper. The painting captures the lush beauty of summer blooms, a timeless motif in Chinese symbolizing abundance, prosperity, and the fleeting of the season. Folding fans like this were far more than utilitarian objects; they served as portable masterpieces, carried by scholars, officials, and elites during social gatherings or leisurely strolls. The luxurious bamboo frame, inlaid with iridescent mother-of-pearl, creamy ivory, and polished jade, underscores its status as a high-end luxury item, reflecting the Qing era's opulent decorative arts and refined craftsmanship. Techniques such as layered ink washes and vivid colors on gold ground create a luminous, jewel-like effect, enhancing the flowers' lifelike vibrancy. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1982 through The Dillon Fund Gift, this fan offers a glimpse into everyday elegance of imperial China. Its preservation highlights the enduring cultural reverence for nature's ephemeral splendor, inviting visitors to appreciate the artistry in objects of daily refinement.