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Fish and Rocks, mid- to late 1600s. Creator: Bada Shanren (Chinese, 1626-1705)
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Fish and Rocks, mid- to late 1600s. Creator: Bada Shanren (Chinese, 1626-1705)
Fish and Rocks, mid- to late 1600s. A descendant of a branch of the Ming imperial family in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, Bada Shanren (whose original name is not yet confirmed) lost his princely status after the Manchu conquest. He retreated to Chan Buddhist monasteries where he found solace in the arts, at times feigning insanity to avoid being identified. Here, Bada juxtaposes sparse images of fish, rocks, and a lotus patch in a simple, free style using few spontaneous brushstrokes. He includes three cryptic poems with themes of alienation, referring perhaps to the fate of the " leftover subject" ( yimin ) after the fall of the Ming dynasty. A rock mass with chrysanthemums at the edge is suspended from above. This image is accompanied by the first poem that reads: A foot and a half from heaven, One can see the floating white clouds. Why do I paint the yellow flowers? For amid the clouds is the City of Gold. A large rock floats in a void and two fish swim in opposite directions by a lotus patch at the base of a cliff. The second poem reads: The Twin Wells was once in mid-stream. A bright moon shines in time and lingers. The twin carp in the Huang family, Where do they go to change into dragons? The last poem might be accompanied by another fish image (probably a yellowcheek) that has been cut. The poem reads: To this 36, 000 qing [of water] Here a fish is coming at last, It is but a yellowcheek. Over the ocean tides rises the sound of sheng [panpipes]
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Media ID 19629641
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Handscroll Ink On Paper Qing Dynasty 1644 1911
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Fish and Rocks, mid- to late 1600s
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating print that showcases the artistic genius of Bada Shanren, a descendant of the Ming imperial family. After losing his princely status due to the Manchu conquest, Bada sought solace in Chan Buddhist monasteries where he found refuge in the arts. In this mesmerizing artwork, Bada skillfully combines sparse images of fish, rocks, and a lotus patch using spontaneous brushstrokes. The simplicity and freedom evident in his style evoke a sense of tranquility and contemplation. Accompanying the image are three cryptic poems that hint at themes of alienation and reflect upon the fate of those left behind after the fall of the Ming dynasty. These poems add an additional layer of depth to an already thought-provoking composition. One poem speaks about heavenly clouds floating just out of reach while another ponders on transformation from carp to dragon. The final poem alludes to a fish finally finding its place amidst vast waters. The overall composition features a large rock suspended in emptiness with two fish swimming in opposite directions near a lotus patch at the base of a cliff. This arrangement creates harmony between elements seemingly disconnected yet inherently interconnected. "Fish and Rocks" by Bada Shanren is not only visually stunning but also serves as an allegory for life's uncertainties and our search for meaning within it. It stands as testament to both Bada's artistic prowess and his ability to find beauty even amidst personal turmoil.
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