Album of flowers, birds, insects, and fish 花鳥蟲魚圖 (冊 ･ 十一頁)

Object Details

• Artist

  Bada Shanren 八大山人 (朱耷) (1626-1705)

• Calligrapher

  Fayi (late 17th century)

• Label

  In the early years of his secular life, Bada Shanren painted mainly for pleasure and often gave his works away as gifts. By the mid-1680s, however, his need for recognition and income drove him to become a professional artist working for hire. In addition to landscapes, Bada's favorite themes during this period cover subjects such as birds, fish, insects, flowers, bamboo, lotus, and other small plants and creatures. Throughout the decade, flat, angular brushwork utilizing the side hairs of the brush continued to characterize Bada's paintings and calligraphy. He also perfected his technique of layering ink by allowing the first application to almost dry before adding the next, creating a subtle texturing, tonal variation, and visual depth to his deceptively simple works.

• Collection

  Freer Gallery of Art Collection

• Exhibition History

  Enigmas: The Art of Bada Shanren (1626-1705) (June 20, 2015 to January 3, 2016)

  Seasons: Chinese Flowers (July 2, 2011 to January 8, 2012)

  After the Madness: The Secular Life, Art, and Imitation of Bada Shanren (1626-1705) (February 16 to July 27, 2003)

  Masterpieces of Chinese Calligraphy (June 7, 1994 to March 20, 1995)

  Masterpieces of Chinese Painting (II) (May 9, 1993 to May 31, 1994)

  Ch'ing Dynasty Calligraphy and Painting (August 30, 1985 to January 26, 1986)

  Chinese Flower Paintings (March 18 to September 22, 1983)

  Chinese Ceramics (May 9, 1980 to March 6, 1981)

  Chinese Album Leaves and Fan Paintings (September 14, 1977 to April 8, 1978)

  Chinese Album Leaves and Lacquer (February 22, 1971 to November 22, 1971)

  Chinese Art (January 1, 1963 to March 6, 1981)

  Centennial Exhibition, North Corridor (February 25, 1956 to November 20, 1969)

• Origin

  China

• Credit Line

  Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment

• Type

  Painting

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  1690s, 1680s

• Name

  Bada Shanren, Fayi

• Place

  China

• Topic

  Art, Animals, Insects, Chinese Art, Fishes, Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911), Birds

• Culture

  Chinese

• Object Type

  Paintings