Artist: Chen Xianzhang

Dimensions:height: 41cm, width: 461cm

Ink on paper, hanging scroll

The work presents part of a big plum tree from the view angle of cross section. In the center of the picture are two thick and strong tree trunks on which are interlaced elegant and vigorous twigs full of blossoms. These graceful twigs possess great tenacity. In particular, the twigs on both sides of the painting seem to be waving in breeze, thus adding a touch of vigor to the painting. This painting is dominated by the use of light ink, with thick ink dotted here and there. The ingenious interspersing of tree trunks, twigs and blossoms follows an orderly sequence, making them responding to each other and giving one the feeling of refreshment and vigor, and neatness in spite of complexity. Chen Xianzhang had few works handed down, which makes such fine works even the more precious.

Chen Xianzhang with a given name Lu, courtesy name Xianzhang, studio name Ruyin Jushi, was born in Kuaiji (present-day Shaoxin in Zhejiang Province). He is a noted painter of flowers and birds in Ming Dynasty. He was good at ink painting of pine, bamboo and orchid. His ink paintings of plum blossoms were as famous as those of Wang Qian, a celebrated painter of plum flowers in early Ming Dynasty. Actually, his artistic accomplishments are above those of Wang Qian.