Fragrant Plum Blossoms

late Qing dynasty (1644–1911)

Not on view

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

This charming print with lively flowers and birds is rife with auspicious symbols. Plum blossoms that bloom in the chilly early spring stand for perseverance against hardship. The decorative design on the central pot is a graphic form of the character for “longevity” (shou). The magpies (xi que) are harbingers of happiness, good news, and spring. Together with the plum blossoms (mei), they form a visual pun on the phrase “Happiness (xi) up to one’s eyebrows (mei).”

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Meikai shili xiang
Title: Fragrant Plum Blossoms
Period: late Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Culture: China
Medium: Woodblock print; ink and color on paper
Dimensions: Image: 11 3/4 x 18 5/8 in. (29.9 x 47.3 cm)
Overall: 16 x 21 15/16 in. (40.7 x 55.8 cm)
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: On loan from the British Museum
Curatorial Department: Asian Art