Title
Orchids and Rocks
Creator
Year/Period
Dated 1918
Region
China
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Image size: L234.5 x W75.5 cm
Accession No.
2001-02730
Collection of
Credit Line
From the Xiang Xue Zhuang Collection in memory of Dr Tan Tsze Chor
In this painting, Wu gives a traditional literati subject-matter a new visual treatment through his bold 'jinshi' style, which refers to ancient inscription scripting on bronze vessels and stone steles. Jinshi enthusiasts often combined epigraphy in their calligrapy, seal carving, and painting. Orchids and rocks were traditionally representations of a scholar’s moral rectitude, inner strength and personal cultivation. Like his scholarly predecessors, Wu did not pursue formal likeness. Instead he attempted to convey the spirit or essence of the orchids and rocks through his expressive lines and complex layering of strokes and washes.
