Vegetables

Qi Baishi Chinese
20th century
Not on view
When the Japanese occupation ended, Qi Baishi again posted his prices on the shops of Beijing's Liulichang and resumed selling his paintings and seals. Inflation was high and resources were scarce, but his paintings commanded high prices. Despite his success, Qi remained the humble provincial, referring in his inscription to a trip home:

At forty I left home, but eventually returned.These vegetables renew my appetite.My old friends and relatives grin and ask:"Is it true that meat is stacked like mountains in the officials' homes?"

(Robert H. Ellsworth et al., trans., Later Chinese Painting and Calligraphy, 1800-1950, 3 vols. [New York: Random House, 1987], vol. 1, p. 161)

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 清/現代 齊白石 園蔬圖 摺扇
  • Title: Vegetables
  • Artist: Qi Baishi (Chinese, 1864–1957)
  • Date: 20th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Folding fan mounted as an album leaf; ink on alum paper
  • Dimensions: 7 5/16 x 21 3/16 in. (18.6 x 53.8 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Gift of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, in memory of La Ferne Hatfield Ellsworth, 1986
  • Object Number: 1986.267.228
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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