Artwork Page for Peonies

Details / Information for Peonies

Peonies

牡丹

late 1200s

China, Yuan dynasty

(1271-1368)
Medium
hanging scroll; ink and color on silk
Measurements
Painting: 145.5 x 88.3 cm (57 5/16 x 34 3/4 in.); Overall with knobs: 256 x 113.2 cm (100 13/16 x 44 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1976.90
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

In China, the peony is considered the Queen of Flowers, representing the late spring season. The shrubs of this tree peony are in full bloom, blossoming in various colors. Peony paintings were popular from the Southern Song period to the Ming dynasty. The large scale of this decorative scroll suggests that it may have been hung in a reception hall, conveying good wishes for wealth and prosperity.
A vertically oriented silk painting depicts a sprawling peony bush against a dark brown background. Ruffled blooms in white, pale pink, deep red, and purple emerge from woody stems. A large red flower anchors the center, surrounded by varied blossoms and green foliage. Bare stems rise from the bottom into the dense floral cluster. Decorative tan borders frame the top and bottom edges, highlighting the intricate petals and vibrant shades of the flowers.

Peonies

late 1200s

China, Yuan dynasty (1271-1368)

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