1606

Orchids and Rocks

Chinese, active first half of 17th century

In this quietly lyrical painting, orchids and rocks are rendered with swift, dry brushwork that accentuates their pale, unassuming beauty. The orchid, regarded as a symbol of purity, resilience, and loyalty, has been a beloved floral motif in Chinese culture since antiquity. The eminent poet and statesman Qu Yuan (c. 343–c. 277 BCE) was known for his fondness for the orchid, and his unwavering loyalty to his country came to be associated with the flower’s virtuous qualities. Similarly, a simple depiction of an orchid by the scholar-artist Zheng Sixiao—emulated in the present painting—became canonical in Chinese art, partly owing to Zheng’s resistance to the Mongol rule that supplanted the Song dynasty (960–1279), to which he was deeply devoted.