清/現代　齊白石　石榴多子圖　軸|Pomegranates

Qi Baishi

1947 · Framed hanging scroll; ink and color on paper · Asian Art

This quickly executed album leaf by Qi Baishi depicts a classic auspicious subject: pomegranates, whose bounty of seeds imply fertility and a wish for many sons. Qi reinforced the message with a seal-script inscription that may be read as either “Many seeds” or “many sons”—the same character may be read as either “seeds” or sons”. This small painting was executed in the long-lived artist’s ninetieth year.

Artist

Qi Baishi

Date

1947

Medium

Framed hanging scroll; ink and color on paper

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Bequest of Robert H. Ellsworth, 2014