Spring Pond and Grass
Artist
Chao Shao-an
(Chinese, 1905 - 1998)
Date1963
MaterialsInk and colors on paper
DimensionsImage: H. 11 3/4 in x W. 14 3/4 in, H. 29.8 cm x W. 37.5 cm;
Overall: H. 49 5/8 in x W. 19 in, H. 126 cm x W. 48.3 cm;
Framed: H. 50 3/4 in x W. 20 in x D. 2 1/2 in, H. 128.9 cm x W. 50.8 cm x D. 6.4 cm
Overall: H. 49 5/8 in x W. 19 in, H. 126 cm x W. 48.3 cm;
Framed: H. 50 3/4 in x W. 20 in x D. 2 1/2 in, H. 128.9 cm x W. 50.8 cm x D. 6.4 cm
Credit LineCollection of Master Chao Shao-An
Object number1992.307
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsPainting
On View
Not on viewThe repeated application of ink and color washes to decorate the background is a feature linked with the Lingnan school of painting, which often employed close-up compositions to zoom in on details of a bird or an animal. The pale green colors can be interpreted as the pond or grasses. Although only two frogs are depicted, the inscription describes a scene enlivened with these leaping creatures:
Frogs everywhere in the spring pond and grass.
—Guimao year (1963), spring, third lunar month, Shao-an.
