Peony 1823 - 1857

"Peony" is a fan painting by Ren Xiong, a prominent artist of the late Qing Dynasty. This work, created between 1823 and 1857, depicts a single peony bloom with delicate leaves and branches, set against a rock formation with lush grasses. The vibrant colors and fine brushstrokes are characteristic of Ren Xiong's style, which emphasized a meticulous rendering of nature and a refined aesthetic. The painting, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases the beauty of a popular subject in Chinese art, the peony, known for its symbolism of prosperity and wealth.