QI BAISHI (1863-1957)

Ju Xuan, a native of Henan, commissioned Qi for a painting filled with blessings for himself and his family. Differing from his usual compositions, Qi painted a lush forest with the rising sun in the East, signifying that the sea in view as the "East Sea", to correspond with the Chinese blessing "may good fortunes as wide as the East Sea, and longevity as old as the South Mountain be upon you". The addition of the pair of fish not only symbolizes double blessings of fortune and longevity, but as a symbol of missing his friend from afar. This important piece is a great example of the amount of thought Qi puts into his paintings, often with his signature, mischievous twist.