Details
QI BAISHI (1863-1957)
Seal Script Calligraphy - Cane
Hanging scroll, ink on paper
12 38 x 13 18 in. (31.3 x 33.2 cm.)

Inscribed and signed, with two seals of the artist
Provenance
Christie's Hong Kong, Fine 19th and 20th Century Chinese Paintings, 18 March, 1991, Lot 136
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Lot Essay

The Chinese character "zhe" means sugar cane. Qi Baishi's inscription here refers to an anecdote where the famed Jin dynasty artist Gu Kaizhi (ca. 345-406) was asked why he ate sugar cane from the top toward the root, to which he replied, “The situation gradually improves [gets sweeter].” Hence, “zhe jing” or “sugar cane situation” has come to mean adversity is followed by good fortunate, or one obtains prosperity as one enters into older age.

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