Wisteria and Goldfish 紫藤金魚圖
Qing dynasty (1644–1911), late 19th century
Medium
Hanging scroll; ink and colors on paper
Classification
hanging scroll
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
46432
Art Historical Context
**Wisteria and Gold (紫藤金魚圖 by Xugu (1823–1896) is a captivating hanging scroll from China's Qing dynasty, created in the late 19 century. This ink and color work on paper exemplifies the elegant tradition of literati painting, where artists like Xugu—also known as Zhang Xiong—blended poetic observation with personal expression. Displayed in the Art Institute Chicago's Arts of Asia, it invites viewers into a serene world of cascading wisteria blooms and vibrant goldfish, symbols of graceful abundance and lively vitality in Chinese culture. Hanging scrolls like this were prized possessions, unr...
About the Artist
Xugu · 1824–1896
Xugu (1824–1896) was one of the most celebrated Chinese painters of the late Qing dynasty, renowned for his lyrical, highly individualistic approach to flower and plant painting that set him apart from both the orthodox academic tradition and the more popular Shanghai commercial style. Born Zhu Huairen in Anhui province, he took monastic vows and became a Buddhist monk, adopting the religious name...