Squirrel and Grape
Liu Deliu's fan painted in a narrow inky range of colors portrays a squirrel precariously suspended between his goal, a succulent grape, and his curiosity about the intentions of an insect that has lighted on this object. The liveliness of this subject has obvious charm.
In his inscription Liu says he is working in the style of Lu Shouping (Lu Zhi, 1496–1576), a Ming artist renowned for his sensitive observations transposed into ink sketches of flowers and birds. Using animation, subtle color and a decorative format, Liu transforms a subject of interest to scholar-artists since the Yuan into a popular image.
In his inscription Liu says he is working in the style of Lu Shouping (Lu Zhi, 1496–1576), a Ming artist renowned for his sensitive observations transposed into ink sketches of flowers and birds. Using animation, subtle color and a decorative format, Liu transforms a subject of interest to scholar-artists since the Yuan into a popular image.
Artwork Details
- 清 劉德六 松鼠葡萄 扇面
- Title: Squirrel and Grape
- Artist: Liu Deliu (Chinese, 1806–1875)
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
- Date: dated 1868
- Culture: China
- Medium: Folding fan mounted as an album leaf; ink and color on alum paper
- Dimensions: 6 15/16 x 20 1/16 in. (17.6 x 51 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Gift of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, in memory of La Ferne Hatfield Ellsworth, 1986
- Object Number: 1986.267.19
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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