White Peony and Rocks 1752

Hua Yan created "White Peony and Rocks" using ink and color on paper in the 18th century. Hua Yan was one of the Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou, a group of artists who rejected orthodox ideas of painting in favor of a more expressive approach. Note the delicate brushwork capturing the texture of the petals. In Chinese art, the peony is a symbol of wealth, honor, and feminine beauty. This symbolism is intertwined with cultural ideals and social aspirations. The rocks, rendered with strong dark ink, offer a contrast in texture and tone, which traditionally symbolize strength and longevity. By combining the peony and rocks, Hua Yan reflects on transient beauty against enduring strength, a common theme in Chinese art and poetry. The painting invites us to reflect on the cultural values and aesthetic sensibilities that shaped its creation and continue to inform our experience of it.