Branch of blossoming plum

dated 1945

Not on view

Xu Zonghao’s gnarled branch of blossoming plum consists of gray ink wash, bold black dots, and unbounded daubs of green—an assemblage so freely painted that it is nearly abstract. The poem describes a late winter scene, the subtle fragrance of plum suffusing early dawn when the moon still hangs high in the sky.

Artwork Details

清/現代　徐宗浩　寒梅圖　摺扇
Title: Branch of blossoming plum
Artist: Xu Zonghao (Chinese, 1880–1957)
Period: Republic period (1912–49)
Date: dated 1945
Culture: China
Medium: Fan; ink and color on paper
Dimensions: 6 7/8 x 19 1/2 in. (17.5 x 49.5 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Gift of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, in memory of La Ferne Hatfield Ellsworth, 1986
Object Number: 1986.267.238
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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Folding fan with roses and calligraphy
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Painting by Pang Laichen
Calligrapher Calligraphy by Chu Deyi
1933 (bamboo carving); 1934 (fan calligraphy); 1935 (fan painting)

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