Squirrel on an Autumn Branch

ca. 1880s
Not on view
This image displays Xu Gu's virtuosic juxtaposition of the fine brushwork of the squirrel's fur with the bold strokes that define the branches and leaves. Balanced between naturalistic observation and daring abstraction, the animated image is both impressionistic and illusionistic.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 清 虛谷 松鼠 扇面
  • Title: Squirrel on an Autumn Branch
  • Artist: Xugu (Zhu Huairen) (Chinese, 1823–1896)
  • Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
  • Date: ca. 1880s
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Folding fan mounted as an album leaf; ink and color on alum paper
  • Dimensions: 7 1/4 x 19 in. (18.4 x 48.3 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Gift of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, in memory of La Ferne Hatfield Ellsworth, 1986
  • Object Number: 1986.267.54
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.