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Flowers and Goldfish

Sō Shizan Japanese
18th century
Not on view
The profusion of flowers hanging from a kaido tree, ebulliently filling the frame, suggests fecundity. The auspicious and opulent qualities of this painting are enhanced by such exotic motifs as the basket, the finely crafted table, and the delicate glass fishbowl. The meticulous details and realistic coloring are in line with the decorative realism taught by Sō Shizan’s father, Sō Shiseki, who trained with the Chinese painter Song Ziyuan. His style is also influenced by the work of Shen Nanpin.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Flowers and Goldfish
  • Artist: Sō Shizan (Japanese, 1733–1805)
  • Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
  • Date: 18th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk
  • Dimensions: Image: 36 1/4 × 13 5/8 in. (92.1 × 34.6 cm)
    Overall with mounting: 65 1/2 × 19 3/4 in. (166.4 × 50.2 cm)
    Overall with knobs: 65 1/2 × 22 1/2 in. (166.4 × 57.2 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: The Harry G. C. Packard Collection of Asian Art, Gift of Harry G. C. Packard, and Purchase, Fletcher, Rogers, Harris Brisbane Dick, and Louis V. Bell Funds, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, and The Annenberg Fund Inc. Gift, 1975
  • Object Number: 1975.268.85
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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