A catalogue of the Ashmolean collection of Chinese paintings by Shelagh Vainker (published Oxford, 2000).
Ren Yi is a Shanghai School master, known for his figure and bird-and-flower painting, which combines the imagery of decorative art with the bold brushwork of literati painting.
The God of Longevity is known as an old man with an extraordinarily big forehead, carrying a walking stick made of peach wood. Respect for him is probably linked to the worship of ancestors and elders, one of the most important Confucian principles. Wu Changshuo, a 20th century master and student of Ren, added the calligraphic title ‘happiness prolongs life’ quoted from the Confucian philosopher Xunzi (c. 312-230 BC).
In this painting, the God of Longevity and his attendant seem to be full of joy on their way back from the peach garden. Particular consideration has been given to the choice of imagery used here. Peach blossoms, for example, are the symbol of prosperity, and their bright pink colour is also a popular metaphor for feminine beauty. Peach branches are believed to ward off demons, and the peach itself is considered a fruit for immortality.
Vainker, Shelagh, Chinese Paintings in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford (Oxford: Ashmolean Museum, 2000), no. 117 on p. 134, illus. p. 135 fig. 117
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