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Famous Lotus Painters

There are many famous

artists throughout history

whose works depict the lotus.

Although they have

contrasting aesthetics,

these artists all capture

aspects of the plant's beauty.

For example, Wang Mian

from the late Yuan and

early Ming dynasties

in 14^th century

captured the flower's

appearance very accurately,

while Xu Wei established a

new path for the xieyi style.

Furthermore, painters from

the Qing Dynasty (1636–1912)

such as Bada Shanren, Tang Ying,

Wang Su, and Zhao Zhi-qian

left behind many lotus works.

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In the modern era,

Chang Dai-chien,

Qi Baishi, Li Kuchan,

and Pan Tianshou

have all captured the lotus

from different perspectives

and integrated self-expression

into their works.

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Pu Xinyu's Lotuses

As a member of the

Qing Dynasty ruling family,

Pu Xinyu showed an affinity

for poetry and drawing

since childhood.

Empress Dowager Cixi

even praised him as

the dynasty's most gifted artist.

He excelled at capturing

nature, people, and birds.

As for the lotus,

he found that the brush

was much more important

than the ink.

He often used relatively

few brush strokes

and left large blank areas,

creating a rather

profound artistic mood.

Pu's Autumn Lotus and White Heron is

one of the most exquisite works

in the Museum's collection.

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Sanyu's Lotuses

Sanyu studied ink painting

with his father

and continued to study

calligraphy with Zhao Xi.

In the 1920s, he traveled

to Paris to study Western art.

Owing to his diverse

educational background,

Sanyu's works combine

Eastern and Western influences.

They are succinct

with simple color schemes,

often including exaggerated shapes

with distinct outlines.

Amongst other lotus paintings

in the Museum,

his works stand out

as quiet and reserved,

capturing the lotus' delicacy.

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