Flower and Toad 1803 - 1886

Zhang Xiong painted this ink and color on silk fan painting, titled "Flower and Toad," during the Qing dynasty, a period of both cultural flourishing and social upheaval in China. Zhang, working within the literati tradition, often explored themes of nature and symbolism. Here, the image of the toad, poised beneath vibrant flowers, is far from incidental; in Chinese culture, the toad symbolizes wealth and longevity, while the flowers can be interpreted as emblems of beauty and transient life. What does it mean to bring together symbols of prosperity with images of beauty? Zhang seems to invite a dialogue between the ephemeral and the enduring. The painting reflects not just an aesthetic sensibility, but also a deeper meditation on values and existence, prompting us to consider our own relationship with time, wealth, and the natural world.