This piece is entitled Flower, grass, and insects by Zhang Chong made during the late Ming Dynasty in China somewhere between 1628 and 1652, the dates of his birth and death.
Chong was a native of Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province and often specialized in paintings of figures, ladies, landscapes, flowers, and birds. Chong’s paintings were sometimes commissioned and because he was actively painting in the turbulent times of the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, it is no surprise that his works, such as Flower, grass, and insects, depict peacefulness and serenity, something not very dominant in the day. This piece is somewhat of an escape from the violence and harshness of the time Chong was living in.
Flower, grass, and insects is one leaf out of an album of twelve. In Chinese folklore rocks, as seen in the painting, represent longevity. The petals, leaves, and wings of the butterflies were done in a single breath with no touch-up which gives them a light, delicate touch. The rocks, butterflies, and dragonflies were done in mogu, a boneless style. The varying tones of the colored inks give the work a sense of liveliness and are obviously exquisitely beautiful. Since, this work was done on a smaller scale it was able to be more relaxed than it would have been if done on a larger scale.
I chose this piece because it is so simple, refreshing, and beautiful. It is not a very busy painting but its simplicity and lovely colors make it truly breathtaking. It is a very peaceful painting with calming qualities and just something nice to look at. It is something I would hang on my wall because I love the colors, especially the pinks in the begonias. I also appreciate the ‘daintiness’ of the piece.
I have always enjoyed the lighter side of art and this painting is as peaceful as it is beautiful. Sometimes it is nice to take a break from the immense underlying tones and moral codes and just appreciate a piece of art for its aesthetically pleasing qualities.
Works cited:
http://arts.cultural-china.com/en/77Arts6945.html
https://classes.uaf.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2fwebapps%2fblackboard%2fexecute%2flauncher%3ftype%3dCourse%26id%3d_60839_1%26url%3d
http://www.artnet.com/artist/179245/zhang-chong.html
December 30, 2009 at 8:05 pm
I’m so glad that you commented on scale and proportion in regards to this work. I do believe that you are correct, if this was a large wall screen painting, it would have a much different impact. Any idea of how big and “album” is?
April 7, 2010 at 11:39 pm
I really enjoy this piece and I think that you’re right in that its simplicity makes it that much more appealling. I think sometimes we get caught up analyzing a piece for what lies beneath it and for what inspired it and we forget to look at just how beautiful art can be. I think the top butterfly in the middle is my favorite part. It contains so much color in such a small creature, and he captured that well. You did a good job giving background on the piece, I had no idea that in Chinese folklore rocks had their own meaning. Knowing that sheds more light on this piece and makes me enjoy it more. Do the butterflies or the flowers have a specific meaning, as well?
July 25, 2010 at 5:08 pm
I find this piece refreshing as well and enjoy it for its simplicity also. You’ve provided some insightful information about the painting and the techniques used to paint it.