Accession Number1987/1.152.1
TitleOrchids; pair with Bamboo, 1987/1.152.2
Artist(s)Nakabayashi ChikutōObject Creation Date1st half of the 19th centuryMedium & Supporthanging scroll, ink on paperDimensions 37 1/2 in x 11 7/8 in (95.2 cm x 30.2 cm)
Credit LineGift of The Calvin French CollectionLabel copyChikuto was the son of a doctor from Nagoya. Under the tutelage of a wealthy Chinese painting collector, Chikuto was able to establish his own painting studio at the age of twenty. He was able to organize and publish old Chinese treatises on painting and establish them as theories of the Nanga school. The orderly arrangement and even brushwork of the orchids and bamboo on this pair of scrolls are quiet and tranquil. As a rule, his execution is inclined to be disciplined and conservative.
Subject matterThe orderly arrangement and even brushwork of the orchids and bamboo on this pair of scrolls are quiet and tranquil. As a rule, his execution is inclined to be disciplined and conservative.
"The "four gentlemen" subjects of bamboo, orchid, plum, and chrysanthemum, subjects favoured by Chinese literati as a fitting exercise in ink-play that was very close to calligraphy. "
Addiss, Stephen. Nanga Paintings. London: R. G. Sawers, 1975.
Physical DescriptionThere is a clump of orchids towards the bottom of the hanging scroll with tall leaves surrounding them. There is a signature and a seal by the artist on the bottom left corner of the hanging scroll.
Primary Object Classification Painting Primary Object Typehanging scrollCollection AreaAsianRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
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Keywords
Orchidaceae (family)
bamboo
hanging scrolls
ink
orchid