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Water Buffalo Under a Willow Tree

Qi Baishi Chinese
late 1930s
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 清/現代　齊白石　柳牛圖　軸
  • Title: Water Buffalo Under a Willow Tree
  • Artist: Qi Baishi (Chinese, 1864–1957)
  • Date: late 1930s
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Hanging scroll; ink on wrapping paper
  • Dimensions: 34 5/16 x 11 in. (87.2 x 27.9 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Gift of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, in memory of La Ferne Hatfield Ellsworth, 1986
  • Object Number: 1986.267.223
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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