Wisteria and Goldfish Qing dynasty (1644–1911), mid/late 19th century

Xugu created “Wisteria and Goldfish,” a hanging scroll in ink and color on paper, sometime in the late 19th century. Notice the striking vertical composition, where the heavy wisteria branches and delicate blossoms at the top contrast with the sparse arrangement of goldfish at the bottom. The fish, rendered with quick, expressive brushstrokes, swim in a seemingly boundless space, punctuated by minimal foliage. This contrast in density and detail creates a dynamic tension, challenging traditional notions of balance and harmony. The space of the scroll is not merely a backdrop but an active element that directs our gaze. It asks us to consider the relationship between fullness and emptiness, presence and absence. The wisteria, with its complex network of lines and shapes, appears almost weighty, while the goldfish, despite their vibrant color, seem light and transient. It’s through these formal juxtapositions that Xugu prompts us to contemplate the mutable nature of life.