Symbolic Messages in Chinese Animal Paintings
Explore the emblematic ideas expressed in four hanging scrolls that reveal much about the social and cultural history of one of the world’s greatest civilizations. The paintings of tigers by Gao Qipei (1660 – 1734), rabbits by Cheng Zhang (1869 – 1938), birds by Wang Zhen (1867 – 1938), and fish by Pu Ru (1896 – 1963) all contain layers of meaning steeped in longstanding traditions.
Gao Qipei (高其佩, Chinese, 1660 – 1734), Tiger with Cub, 1711
Cheng Zhang (程璋, Chinese, 1869 – 1938), Rabbits Between Fragrant Autumn Berry Moss and Hollyhocks, circa 1920 - 1925
Wang Zhen (王震, aka Bailong Shanren, 號白龍山人, Chinese, 1867 – 1938), Birds in the Style of Bada Shanren, 1915
Organized by the Norton Museum of Art. This exhibition was made possible by the generosity of John and Heidi Niblack.