Taro Root Date Unknown

Bian Shoumin made this ink drawing of taro root sometime in the 18th century. Bian was one of the Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou, a group of artists known for flouting convention, so let's consider what this deceptively simple drawing might tell us about the social and artistic milieu of the time. Although Bian Shoumin is best known for his paintings of plum blossoms, here he depicts taro, an important food crop in China, with an emphasis on its natural form. The calligraphy and seals above the image speak to a literati intellectual culture that valued poetry, calligraphy, and painting as linked arts. Bian likely intended this painting for a small circle of friends who would appreciate its subtle virtues. But there's a tension here. Was Bian offering a quiet commentary on the prevailing artistic norms of the Qing Dynasty, or simply creating art for a niche market? To understand this artwork better, we must consider the changing social status of the artist, and the rise of a wealthy merchant class in cities like Yangzhou. These are just some of the contextual factors that shape our understanding of this modest, yet fascinating, work.