Water Buffalo Under a Willow Tree
Qi Baishi Chinese
Not on view
Qi's ability to reduce his depiction to a minimum and still convey meaning with a sense of humor is epitomized in this depiction of a water buffalo seen from the rear, its hindquarters forming a perfect circle from which tail, legs, horn, and muzzle and the dark line of a rope protrude. The ink used to describe the rump is mixed with water to create the appearance of fur. A broken horizon line bisects the beast, which would otherwise appear to be hovering like an inflated balloon. The attenuated form of a willow tree, its long stringy wisps seeming to flutter lightly in the breeze, contrasts with the sturdy immobility of the buffalo.
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