YU FEI'AN (1888-1959)

The present work was painstakingly painted by Yu Fei’an after he reached maturity in the gongbi technique. In the pond, red lotuses are in full bloom, green leaves unfold effortlessly like clouds and golden seedpods are filled with fresh seeds. Altogether, they correspond to the word “nongyan”(exuberant) in the Verses for the Lotus by Liu Chang from Song Dynasty transcribed on the painting. Meanwhile, bees are depicted hovering above blossoms and navigating through leaves to conform to the word “luanxiang” (fragrant). In terms of the execution, the artist fully devotes himself to depicting the details meticulously. The outcome is extremely precise while not without vitality. The leaf stems and veins are delineated with golden paint, adorning the painting with a sense of majesty.