Egrets, Lotus and Hibiscus Mutabilis, 18th century
Zhang Yuexpand_more
Ink and color on paperexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 96.97.35
Not on Viewexpand_more
After the spread of Buddhist belief in China, the lotus was imbued with religious associations and became known as the sacred flower of Buddhism. The lotus flower blooms above the water, just as Buddha was born into the world but lives above it. The lotus fruits are said to be ripe when the flower blooms, just as the truth preached by Buddha immediately bears the fruit of enlightenment. These Buddhist connections, however, do not fully account for the later, widespread popularity of the lotus in Chinese art. A more general belief at the time associated the lotus, which grows out of mud but is not defiled, with noble purity and unflinching courage.
Details
- Title
- Egrets, Lotus and Hibiscus Mutabilis
- Artist Life
- 1734 - 1803
- Role
- Maker
- Accession Number
- 96.97.35
- Curator Approved
This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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