Mandarin Ducks Swimming on a Lotus Pond

This painting was dedicated to Yi Shuping, daughter of Yi Peiji (1880-1937), the first curator of the Beijing Palace Museum. She was married to Li Zongtong, nephew of Li Shizeng who was the founder of the National Palace Museum. An avid book collector, part of Yi Shuping’s collection is now housed in various museums in the United States. Qi Baishi’s works dedicated to her were also seen in America.