Beauty over Autumn’s Water

Artist Fei Yigeng (Chinese, active approx. 1850 - 1900)

DateApprox. 1850 - 1900

DynastyQing dynasty (1644 - 1911)

MaterialsInk and colors on paper

DimensionsH. 12 in x W. 24 1/8 in, H. 30.48 cm x W. 61.28 cm

Credit LineGift of Joseph and Nancy Wang in memory of Dr. and Mrs. Hsin-Chung Wang

Object number1998.32.m

DepartmentChinese Art

ClassificationsPainting

On View

Not on view

SignedArtist signature/date: For your instruction, to king Master Mengqua, Fei Yigeng, on a summer day of the year dingchou (1857). 丁丑立夏日寫此。夢泉仁丈先生法家教正。費以耕。

InscribedBeauty over water in autumn. 秋水伊人。

MarkingsDingsi year (1857)

More Information

From solo musicians to lively dancers, musical themes appear regularly in fan paintings. This young girl sits on the prow of a boat, as if waiting for the right moment to play the zither (qin) set behind her. Her pose is relaxed, one leg crossed over the other. Her soft skirt is gracefully complemented by her pink top and matches her high coiled hairstyle. Reeds rising from the rippling water are delicate and subdued, giving this autumn scene a sense of desolate beauty.

Subject