Flowers and Fruits

Details

QI BAISHI (1863-1957)
Flowers and Fruits
A set of four scrolls, mounted and framed, ink and colour on paper
Each scroll measures 69 x 20.5 cm. (27 1⁄8 x 8 1⁄8 in.)(4)
Each scroll inscribed and signed, with a total of four seals of the artist

Further details

The current Singapore-based collector is a lawyer, who made multiple trips to Mainland China, Hong Kong, and other places during the 1980s and 1990s. Due to his passion for art, he often spent his spare time frequenting cultural relic stores, Friendship Stores, and auction houses, acquiring many calligraphy works and paintings. Two works from his collection, including Wu Zuoren’s Yaks in the Snow purchased from Beijing Friendship Store and Li Keran’s Eight Buffaloes purchased from an early auction in Hong Kong, have been offered in Christie’s auction.

Conditions of sale

Brought to you by

Carmen Shek Cerne (石嘉雯) Vice President, Head of Department, Chinese Paintings

cshek@christies.com +852 2978 9981

Lot Essay

This set of four paintings of fruits and flowers was created by Qi Baishi at the peak of his artistic career at age 88. Depicting red plums, peonies, lychees, persimmons, and apples, each carries auspicious meanings—symbolizing spring, wealth, profit, and peace. Executed with powerful calligraphic brushwork, the colors are vibrant yet refined. The varied inscriptions and seals achieve a harmonious integration of poetry, calligraphy, painting, and seal carving, showcasing the artist’s mastery in blending elegance with popular appeal during his later years.

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