Summer Lotus
Datedated 1688
DynastyQing dynasty (1644-1911)
MaterialsInk and colors on silk
DimensionsH. 66 1/2 in x W. 28 7/8 in, H. 168.9 cm x W. 73.3 cm (image); H. 93 1/4 in x W. 36 1/8 in, H. 236.9 cm x W. 91.8 cm (overall)
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Object numberB69D5
ClassificationsPainting
Signed戊辰初夏/擬北宋徐崇嗣/白雲溪漁壽平
After Xu Chongci (徐熙 937-975) of N. Song, early summer in the year wuchen (1668), by Baiyun xi yu (white-cloudy stream, fisherman) Shouping
Seal: SHouping zhiyin (Seal of aSHouping) 壽平之印(白文方印);
Zhengshu 正叔（朱文方印）
Inscribed如有薰風起硯池 /鮮霞猶護半開枝/露濕紅衣散金粉/澂香殘夜納涼持
This is a poem to describe the painting and accompanies the depiction, this was typical as there was poetry in painting and painting in poetry.
A brief literary, but not poetic, translation:
As if the wind blows scents from my inkstone如有薰風起硯池
brilliant red/colors attaining semi-blossomed branches鮮霞猶護半開枝
exposing a red coating splashed with gold露濕紅衣散金粉
the sweet scent is perfect for enjoying the cool night 澂香殘夜納涼持
More InformationKnown as the flower of summer in China, the lotus is a symbol of purity because the flower emerges from the mud unstained. It represents the “incorruptible” official and is regarded as the “gentleman among flowers.” With the traditional “boneless” method that applies color washes instead of ink outlines, Yun Shouping depicts the lotus in this elaborate and sophisticated way to capture both its beauty and grace in varying stages of blossoming. In the accompanying inscription, he describes the atmosphere and aroma with a set of sensory clues that further enliven the depiction:
A fragrant breeze seems to rise from the inky pond,
While dawn clouds still enclose a half-opened stem.
The morning dew dampens the red petals, scattering golden powder.
As the night passes, a light fragrance comes with the coolness.
—Wuzhen year (1688), beginning of summer, in the style of the Northern Song artist Xu Chongsi.
[Signed] The White Cloud Stream Fisherman, Shouping
