清/現代　陳衡恪　馬蹄蓮圖　軸|Spathyphyllum

Chen Hengke

early 20th century · Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper · Asian Art

In Japan from 1902–1909, Chen saw an indigenous culture discarded in the pursuit of material advantages from the West. He was determined that China would not follow this course. Paintings like this one, with its simplified shapes and subdued color remain bound to traditional media and techniques. The plant he chose to paint however, is a fresh subject, suited to the art deco spirit that was emerging internationally. Chen Hengke died before he reached fifty, but the many artists who were his friends and students, among them Qi Baishi, advanced his ideals.

Artist

Chen Hengke

Date

early 20th century

Medium

Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

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