Accession Number
1987/1.275

Title
Tao Yuanming Appreciating Chrysanthemums

Artist(s)
Ni Tian

Object Creation Date
1855-1919

Medium & Support
hanging scroll, ink and color on paper

Dimensions
58 1/4 in x 15 1/4 in (148 cm x 38.8 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Jung Ying Ts'ao, in honor of State Senator Jack Faxon

Label copy

Ni Tian
China, 1855–1919

Tao Yuanming Appreciating Chrysanthemums
Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Late 19th century–early 20th century
Hanging scroll, ink and color on paper
Gift of Jung Ying Ts'ao, in honor of State Senator Jack Faxon, 1987/1.275

Early in his career Ni Tian became so impressed with the commercial success of the painter Ren Yi (1840–1896), that he adopted aspects of his style. In this painting, Ren’s swift and spontaneous brushwork is apparent in the bold strokes Ni Tian uses to depict the figures and pine trees.

The subject of the painting is the poet Tao Yuanming (372– 427), a government official who resigned his post to live as a recluse. He was known for cultivating chrysanthemums and is often shown with them. Here a young servant bears some of the flowers on his back, to the evident delight of the poet. The two pine trees framing the composition are metaphors for a scholar of integrity because they grow in harsh terrain and remain green throughout the winter.

Subject matter
Although Ni Tian began his artistic education in his hometown of Yangzhou, he enjoyed success as a professional painter in Shanghai. Impressed with the commercial success of Shanghai painter Ren Yi (1840-1896), he assimilated Ren’s spontaneous and robust brushwork with great dexterity. Ni’s flowing brushstroke is apparent in this affectionate depiction of one of China’s great poets Tao Yuanming (372–427) and a boy-servant bearing chrysanthemums on his back. Two pine trees dominate the composition, contributing to the elegance of the scroll. Tao Yuanming’s forward gaze and slightly hunched posture exhibit his full inner exhilaration from collecting chrysanthemums. The subtle smile on the poet’s face seems also to reflect a moment of transcendence.

Physical Description
Pastoral poet Tao Yuanming (372–427) and a boy-servant bearing chrysanthemums on his back are shown. Two pine trees dominate the composition. Tao Yuanming’s forward gaze and slightly hunched posture exhibit his full inner exhilaration when chrysanthemums were collected. The subtle smile on the poet’s face seems also to reflect a moment of transcendence.
Has signature and seal of the artist

Primary Object Classification
Painting

Primary Object Type
hanging scroll

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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Keywords
Figures
boys
chrysanthemum
flowers
flowers (plant components)
hanging scrolls
ink
men (male humans)
pine (wood)
pines