Narcissus and Bare Trees
1598-1652
Chen Hongshou, a Ming Dynasty master famous for his eccentric, almost cartoonish figures, shows a surprisingly gentle side here. Delicate white narcissus flowers—symbols of good luck and purity—bloom vibrantly next to gnarly, leafless trees that look like skeletal fingers reaching for the sky. The artist uses soft, wet ink washes for the rugged rocks and a tiny waterfall, creating a serene contrast between fragile life and the harshness of winter.
- Technique
- Ink and color