Orchids and Rocks

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Orchids and Rocks

1606

Zhou Shichen (Chinese, active first half of 17th century) , and Chen Dao (Chinese, active first half of 17th century) , and Cao Xi (Chinese, active first half of 17th century)

In this quietly lyrical painting, orchids and rocks are rendered with swift, dry brushwork that accentuates their pale, unassuming beauty. The orchid, regarded as a symbol of purity, resilience, and loyalty, has been a beloved floral motif in Chinese culture since antiquity. The eminent poet and statesman Qu Yuan (c. 343–c. 277 BCE) was known for his fondness for the orchid, and his unwavering loyalty to his country came to be associated with the flower’s virtuous qualities. Similarly, a simple depiction of an orchid by the scholar-artist Zheng Sixiao—emulated in the present painting—became canonical in Chinese art, partly owing to Zheng’s resistance to the Mongol rule that supplanted the Song dynasty (960–1279), to which he was deeply devoted.

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Object Details

Titles:

Orchids and Rocks

Date:

1606

Artists:

Zhou Shichen (Chinese, active first half of 17th century) , and Chen Dao (Chinese, active first half of 17th century) , and Cao Xi (Chinese, active first half of 17th century)

Medium:

Ink on paper; mounted as a handscroll

Dimensions:

12 1/8 inches × 7 feet 3 1/4 inches (30.8 × 221.6 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Purchased with the J. Stogdell Stokes Fund, 1968

Accession Number:

1968-9-1

Geography:

Made in China, Asia

Context:

Dynasty: Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) Period: Wanli Period (1573-1620)

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