Accession Number
1961/1.162

Title
Duck and Lotus

Artist(s)
Gao Qipei

Artist Nationality
Chinese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
circa 1690-1734

Medium & Support
ink on paper

Dimensions
47 13/16 in x 24 9/16 in (121.44 cm x 62.39 cm)

Subject matter
Gao Qipei was an accomplished painter with an unusual technique: instead of using a brush, he painted with his fingertips, nails, palms, and the backs of his hands. The lively execution, harmonious washes, and untrammeled, variegated effects—impossible to achieve with a brush—demonstrate Gao’s consummate skill in finger painting.

Physical Description
In this large scroll Gao depicts a duck swimming among aquatic plants in the shade of a cluster of lotus.

Primary Object Classification
Painting

Primary Object Type
hanging scroll

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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Keywords
ducks (birds)
lotus (motif)
water (inorganic material)