One Hundred Crabs, 1835
Zhao Ziyong; Artist: Zhao Guangqiexpand_more
Ink on paperexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 2002.4.3a,b
Not on Viewexpand_more
Tall reeds bend gracefully over a bank of grass while a host of crabs scuttle along the water’s edge, pincers held high. The crab was a standard subject of paintings, and like bamboo and orchids lent itself to expressive brushwork. Originally mounted as four hanging scrolls, this composition has a panoramic effect—difficult to achieve in the single, hanging-scroll format.
The shorter of the two inscriptions reads:
One hundred crabs,
Set free in river or lake
They come and go as they please.
Reeds continue through the end of spring
And the fragrant mayweed through autumn;
Throughout their lives they are unwilling
To lower their paired eyes,
Hoping to see to the end of the pure
And sometimes muddy stream.
Painted and inscribed by Zhao Guangqi during an autumn month in 1835
Details
- Title
- One Hundred Crabs
- Artist Life
- 1786 - 1847
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2002.4.3a,b
- 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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