Frame size: 166.0 x 96.5 x 2.0 cm,
Image size: 155.0 x 85.5 cm
This is a Sino-Islamic calligraphic painting by Arabic calligrapher, Muhammad Qasim (She Junyou). The overall composition of a vase of lotus flowers with trays of fruits are encoded with symbols that signify peace and good fortune. Lotus flowers represent qualities associated with Buddhism, such as purity and harmony. As fruits hold the powers of fertility and fecundity, the artist could have utilised fruits and seeds to convey the wish that the recipient of the calligraphic painting should be so fortunate to beget many children. Encircling the body of the vase are peonies representing wealth, rank and honour and the ruyi sceptre symbolises power and longevity and is often presented as a gift to convey one's well wishes in traditional Chinese visual culture. This painting may appear to be conventionally Chinese at first, however one may find Quranic verses embedded within the decorative surfaces of the vase and the leaves of the flowers.
