Tangerine Green Painting 46×51

Ma Lin

Tangerine Green Painting 46×51 by Ma Lin

Imagine holding a round fan from the 13th century—that's the shape of this masterpiece by Ma Lin, a top-tier court painter of the Southern Song Dynasty. He’s painted citrus branches with incredible realism; look closely at the speckled skin of the fruit, it looks like you could reach out and grab a snack! The dark background isn't just empty space; it’s a dramatic stage that makes the pale oranges and lush leaves pop. The title 'Green Oranges' is a nod to a famous poem by Su Shi about the best time of year, proving that even fruit paintings can be deeply poetic.

Technique
Ink and color on silk
Material
Silk

Location: Palace Museum, Beijing

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