清/現代　齊白石　柳牛圖　軸|Water Buffalo Under a Willow Tree

Qi Baishi

late 1930s · Hanging scroll; ink on wrapping paper · Asian Art

Qi's ability to reduce his depiction to a minimum and still convey meaning with a sense of humor is epitomized in this depiction of a water buffalo seen from the rear, its hindquarters forming a perfect circle from which tail, legs, horn, and muzzle and the dark line of a rope protrude. The ink used to describe the rump is mixed with water to create the appearance of fur. A broken horizon line bisects the beast, which would otherwise appear to be hovering like an inflated balloon. The attenuated form of a willow tree, its long stringy wisps seeming to flutter lightly in the breeze, contrasts with the sturdy immobility of the buffalo.

Artist

Qi Baishi

Date

late 1930s

Medium

Hanging scroll; ink on wrapping paper

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, in memory of La Ferne Hatfield Ellsworth, 1986