Apricot 1800 - 1870

Wu Xizai created this ink on paper piece, titled 'Apricot', some time between 1799 and 1870, a period of immense social upheaval in China. Wu lived through a time of internal rebellion and increasing Western influence, factors which deeply affected the literati and their art. The fan, a common object, becomes a canvas, subtly resisting the monumental art favored by the imperial court. Look closely, and you will see the delicate brushstrokes which capture the fleeting beauty of apricot blossoms, symbols of spring and renewal. Wu’s choice to focus on such a delicate subject might be understood as a personal retreat from the tumultuous world, or perhaps as a quiet form of resistance. Consider the inscription alongside the blossoms. Poetry and painting were inseparable for the Chinese literati, both means of expressing personal values and experiences. The apricot blossoms serve as a reminder of the beauty and resilience found in the natural world, even amidst chaos. They invite reflection on themes of perseverance, hope, and personal expression in times of change.