Peach Blossoms and Peony 1850 - 1870

Zhao Zhiqian made this ink and color on paper fan painting of peach blossoms and peony some time during his lifetime from 1829 to 1884. Zhao lived during a time of immense upheaval in China, experiencing both the height of the Qing dynasty's decline and the beginnings of modernization. Zhao was a scholar-artist, a man of letters who pursued art as an avocation. His identity was deeply rooted in his commitment to traditional Chinese culture and values. He sought to preserve and revitalize these traditions through his art, even as China underwent rapid social and political change. As a painter, Zhao sought to express his inner feelings, revealing his personality through the brushstrokes and the overall composition. The choice of peach blossoms and peony is significant, as they symbolize longevity, wealth, and prosperity. The style is delicate and refined, reflecting the artist's attention to detail and mastery of traditional techniques. Zhao’s identity is revealed through these personal and cultural symbols that invite us to contemplate the artist's place in a rapidly changing world.