Grapes
Qi Baishi, Grapes, 1945/1955, color woodblock print on paper, Gift of Donald and Mel Jenkins, © unknown, research required, 67.15.7
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- Title
Grapes
- Related Titles
original language: 葡萄圖
- Artist
- Date
1945/1955
- Medium
color woodblock print on paper
- Dimensions (H x W x D)
image: 9 in x 12 in; sheet: 12 9/16 in x 17 in
- Inscriptions & Markings
signature: 白石畵題舊句, printed, right margin, center Transliteration (Translation): Baishi huati jiuju (Baishi paints and composes old phrase) Language: Chinese
inscription: 吳國榴環今不在石家金谷不須論, printed, right margin Transliteration (Translation): Wuguo liuhuan jinbuzai shijia jingu buxulun (Liuhuan of Wu state does not exist anymore, it is no need to mention about Shi Chong's Golden valley garden.) Language: Chinese
seal: 齊大, printed, right margin, bottom Transliteration: Qida Language: Chinese
- Collection Area
Asian Art; Graphic Arts
- Category
Prints
- Object Type
relief print
- Culture
Chinese
- Credit Line
Gift of Donald and Mel Jenkins
- Accession Number
67.15.7
- Copyright
© unknown, research required
- Terms
Fruits with many seeds are auspicious symbols of fecundity, and grapes are among them. Baishi often depicts grapes with a mouse or a squirrel, creatures associated with prosperity. In contrast to these positive associations, the inscription here mentions two ancient sites that flourished in the third century, but have long since fallen into ruin: "Liuhuan of the Wu Kingdom no longer exists, not to mention Shi Chong's Garden of the Golden Valley garden." The artist appears to be alluding to his own family home, which had suffered decay.
