Description
Now detached, these four leaves were originally joined together. They were to be looked at one by one, like pages in a book.
A leading artist of Anhui province, Zha Shibiao [Cha Shih-piao] was an old man when he painted these leaves. For him, as for other Chinese painters, nature was a refuge from political strife.
Provenance
Fine Chinese Paintings, Calligraphy and Rubbings Sale (8474), Christie's, New York, September 18, 1996, lot no. 179; Walters Art Museum, 1996, by purchase.
Inscriptions
See individual records. Each leaf inscribed and signed. The final leaf (D) is inscribed: "This is my brushwork of ten years ago. Now it is 'ding chou' year of the Kangxi ete (1697). Shibiao at the age of eighty-three." Each leaf is stamped with the seal of the artist: Zha Shi Biao or Zha Er Zhan.
Credit
Museum purchase with funds provided by the Asian Art Acquisition Fund, 1996
