Herbaceous Peony 1823 - 1886

"Herbaceous Peony" is a fan painting by Hu Yuan, a prominent Chinese artist of the 19th century. Executed in ink and light color on gold-leaf paper, the painting features a delicate depiction of a peony blossom with its leaves and stems. The artist's use of fine lines and washes creates a sense of movement and grace, characteristic of the "xieyi" style, emphasizing expressive brushwork over precise representation. The inscription on the fan, written by the artist himself, adds a personal touch and further emphasizes the calligraphic aspects of the work. This piece is a fine example of Hu Yuan's talent for capturing the beauty of nature in a subtle and elegant manner.