Lot 171. Qi Baishi (1863-1957), Lotus. Signature and three seals of the artist Dated xinmao year (1951). Scroll, mounted and framed, ink and colour on paper ,53 ¾ x 23 ¾ in. (136.5 x 60.5 cm). Estimate GBP 50,000 - GBP 80,000. Price realised GBP 175,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019.

Provenance: Received as a wedding gift in Hong Kong in the 1950s, and thence by descent within the family.

Note: Painted in Qi's 91st year by his own reckoning, this work exemplifies his mature oeuvre. In this late stage of Qi's career his mastery of the full range of painting techniques is readily apparent. The kinetic, angular lines of the lotus stems are eloquently juxtaposed with the liquid colour washes of the broad leaves. The composition shifts between the wide, flat surfaces of the leaves and linear structures of interlocking stems, creating a dynamic cadence as the eye moves across the painting surface. 

The subject of lotuses in late summer carries numerous symbolic meanings. In Buddhism, the lotus symbolises enlightenment, pushing up through murky waters to flower in the bright sunlight. For both Buddhists and Confucians, a late summer lotus implies a long life well lived. In this painting, the majority of flowers have passed and the full seed-heads weigh heavily on the stems. This creates a botanical allegory for Qi's own stage of life, and his substantial accomplishments at the time of the work's creation. This message is reinforced by the application of Qi's 'ren chang shou' (long-lived person) seal in the lower left. The seal is playfully inverted, showing Qi's continuing irreverence for staid, conservative conventionalism.