“Stop to appreciate this elegant Qing dynasty scroll featuring chrysanthemums, a flower symbolizing longevity and nobility. The delicate brushwork and luminous colors on silk create a serene and meaningful floral portrait.”
This hanging scroll, titled "Chrysanthemums," offers a close-up view of a vibrant floral arrangement, rendered with ink and color on silk. The composition features a cluster of chrysanthemums, their petals varying in shade from delicate white to soft yellow, suggesting the gentle shift of light across their surfaces. A few leaves, painted in rich greens, provide a verdant contrast, grounding the blossoms. The artist, Zou Yigui, was active during the Qing dynasty and was known for his flower paintings, a genre that often carried symbolic weight in Chinese culture. Chrysanthemums, in particular, symbolize autumn, longevity, and nobility, themes that resonate with the subtle elegance of this piece. The silk medium allows for a refined, almost luminous quality in the colors, enhancing the delicate nature of the subject.
- Artist
- Zou Yigui
- Medium
- Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk
- Location
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Dimensions
- 104.8 × 48.9 cm (41 1/4 × 19 1/4 in.)
What to Notice
Four details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.
Observe the subtle gradations of color in the chrysanthemum petals.
Notice the delicate brushwork defining each individual petal.
See how the green leaves provide a strong visual anchor for the flowers.
Look at the fine texture of the silk, visible through the paint.
Stand in front of it and listen
The full narration walks you through Chrysanthemums — the story behind it, the details most visitors miss, and why it matters. Free in the Art Whisper app.
Zou Yigui
1686–1772 · Qing dynastyImperial court painter who wrote an 18th-century masterclass on flowers that still influences Chinese brush painting today.
