Hawk, pine, plum, and rock
Zhu Cheng painted in Shanghai in the waning years of the Qing dynasty. At a time when China’s position on the world stage had been weakened, images of birds of prey became more popular. Artists and patrons looked to inject a sense of strength into the ink-painting tradition through these symbols of martial power. The hawk stands stolidly on a wizened old pine as flowering plum—a sign of spring renewal—blossoms below.
Artwork Details
- 清 朱偁 松鷹圖 軸
- Title: Hawk, pine, plum, and rock
- Artist: Zhu Cheng (Chinese, 1826–1900)
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
- Date: dated 1873
- Culture: China
- Medium: Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper
- Dimensions: 63 3/4 x 18 1/4 in. (161.9 x 46.4 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Gift of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, in memory of La Ferne Hatfield Ellsworth, 1986
- Object Number: 1986.267.65
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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