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Lot Essay
In this current painting, Qi Baishi depicts an insect above a basket of annonas, called shijia in Chinese, since the shape resembles the head of Buddha Shakyamuni. Qi Baishi outlines the veins of the leaves and the branches with power and determination, whereas the insect is accurately depicted. Qi Baishi's incorporation of gongbi-style insects and xieyi-style fruits is innovative and represents a pinnacle and a unique modern style in his later artistic career.