Fish and rocks 1699

This is Fish and Rocks, a hanging scroll made with ink on paper by Bada Shanren, a Han Chinese painter and calligrapher of the early Qing period. Shanren was a member of the Ming Dynasty aristocracy, who feigned madness as a form of self-preservation after the fall of the dynasty, becoming a monk and later a painter. Shanren uses expressive brushwork to depict the rocks and fish, giving the images a subjective feel. The upturned eyes of the fish, a recurring motif, have been interpreted as symbols of defiance, or perhaps a melancholic longing for what was lost. The cultural and political turmoil of the dynastic transition deeply affected Shanren, influencing his artistic expression. His work is often seen as a form of resistance, subtly challenging the new Qing rulers, who were of Manchu ethnicity. Shanren's art reflects not only personal grief and resilience, but also speaks to broader themes of cultural identity and political resistance. It invites viewers to reflect on the intersection of personal emotion and historical change.