Chinese Paintings in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford
A catalogue of the Ashmolean collection of Chinese paintings by Shelagh Vainker (published Oxford, 2000).
Publications online: 222 objects
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Birds on a flowering branch
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Literature notes
Zhu Cheng was from Jiaxing in Zhejiang province, and was active in Shanghai by 1862. Demand for his small-scale paintings, mostly fans, was high and his later works tend to be larger, and bolder in style. He is best known for bird and flower painting. -
Description
Shanghai experienced rapid changes and growth during the 19th century as a port open to the West. Many artists came to Shanghai to seek opportunity and relative safety from political and cultural upheaval. Their work contained less traditional literati symbolism and emphasized the visual content of the painting itself. These paintings were well received by the emerging middle class around Shanghai. Zhu Cheng was one of these artists who were loosely termed the Shanghai School. The lively brushwork and vibrant colours as demonstrated in this painting are major characteristics of the distinctive Shanghai style. Zhu also followed Hua Yan's (1682-1756) techniques and methods of depicting the movements of birds. The inscription reads 'For the esteemed Mr. Kechen to appreciate and critcize.'
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Details
- Associated place
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Asia › China › Shanghai province (probable place of creation)
- Date
- 1869
- Artist/maker
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Zhu Cheng (1826 - 1900) (artist)
- Material and technique
- ink and colour on silk
- Dimensions
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mount 55.5 x 40.2 cm (height x width)
page 24.1 x 25.1 cm (height x width)
- Material index
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organic › animal › animal product › silk
- Technique index
- Object type index
- No. of items
- 1
- Credit line
- Purchased, 1965.
- Accession no.
- EA1965.231
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Further reading
Vainker, Shelagh, Chinese Paintings in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford (Oxford: Ashmolean Museum, 2000), no. 168 on p. 192, illus. p. 193 fig. 168
Location
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Second floor | Room 38 | China from 800
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Second floor | Room 38 | China from 800
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Publications online
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Chinese Paintings in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford
Zhu Cheng was from Jiaxing in Zhejiang province, and was active in Shanghai by 1862. Demand for his small-scale paintings, mostly fans, was high and his later works tend to be larger, and bolder in style. He is best known for bird and flower painting.
Notice
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