Pomegranate and Hollyhocks《石榴蜀葵图轴》
Li Shan (李鱓)
Li Shan (1686–1762)
Courtesy name Zongyang, also known as Futang and Chao Daoren, was a celebrated painter and one of the “Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou.” Born in Xinghua, Jiangsu Province, Li Shan initially pursued landscape painting. His talent earned him recognition in his early years, with Emperor Kangxi admiring his skill and appointing him to serve in the imperial court. There, he collaborated with Jiang Tingxi, mastering boneless painting techniques and fine brushwork. In addition to landscapes, Li Shan excelled in flower-and-bird painting.
In middle age, Li transitioned to a career as an independent artist, making a living through the sale of his works. Influenced by Gao Qipei and Shi Tao, he embraced bold freehand brushwork characterized by vigorous strokes and a dynamic energy. Even after the age of sixty, when many artists experience a decline in creativity, Li continued to produce works of exceptional vitality. His contributions significantly shaped the development of freehand flower-and-bird painting during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period.
“Pomegranate and Hollyhocks” (1748)
This work, painted when Li Shan was sixty-two years old, portrays pomegranates, hollyhocks, and ornamental rocks with lively and expressive brushwork. The drooping branches of the pomegranate tree harmonize with the flowers, grasses, and stones below, creating a composition that is both intricate and playful. Li’s mastery reflects years of accumulated innovation, drawing upon the styles of masters such as Shen Zhou, Chen Chun, Shi Tao, and Jiang Tingxi, while infusing his own unique perspective.
The accompanying inscription reads:
“Sunflowers tilt toward the sun, and pomegranate blossoms burn bright as fire. Rather than painting idle grasses, it is better for men to live long and beautifully.”
The imagery conveys themes of abundance, longevity, and prosperity—an auspicious motif frequently celebrated in Chinese art.
李鱓(1686-1762),字宗扬,号复堂,别号懊道人、墨磨人等,举人出身,“扬州八怪”之一,江苏兴化人。绘画初学山水,早年曾因擅画受康熙帝赏识而供奉于内廷,随蒋廷锡攻没骨及工笔、兼工带写花鸟。中年落拓江湖以卖画为生,因受高其佩、石涛影响而转为粗笔写意,挥洒自如,笔墨劲健,富有气势。六十岁后虽多散慢颓唐,然亦不乏精品。对清末民国大写意花鸟画颇有影响。
此《石榴蜀葵图轴》是他六十二岁时所作,绘石榴、花卉、奇石,笔墨泼辣淋漓。下垂的石榴枝与地面的花、石、兰草相呼应,奇趣天成。从中可看出他多年的积累与创新,沈周、陈淳、石涛、蒋廷锡风格等都已熔铸于笔端,老练洞达,信手拈来。款题:“葵忱倾向太阳中,甲第榴花似火红。莫负画师图小草,宜男多寿美谖从。”此作寓意多子多寿且无忧无虑,是常见的吉祥题材。