Created:
Movement:
unknown
None
key Notes:
Floral Symbolism, Imperial Aesthetic
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Dimensions:
medium:
Ink and color on silk
Difficulty:
Master
New game
story of the work:

We have not been able to find much information about this work, or we believe the information we sourced needed more review.

Peonies by Empress Dowager Cixi

Peonies, a painting attributed to Empress Dowager Cixi, is an exquisite example of traditional Chinese art, executed with ink and color on silk. The work reflects the empress's personal engagement with the arts, a pursuit she undertook amidst her political responsibilities during the late Qing Dynasty. Empress Dowager Cixi, who ruled China de facto from 1861 to 1908, was known for her patronage of the arts and her influence on Chinese culture. The painting of peonies, a flower symbolizing wealth and honor in Chinese culture, may also reflect her aspirations for the Qing Dynasty. This artwork contributes to the understanding of Cixi not only as a political figure but also as a cultural icon who actively participated in the artistic practices of her time. The piece remains significant for its embodiment of the empress's aesthetic sensibilities and its representation of the era's artistic traditions.

Description of the work:

Peonies by Empress Dowager Cixi

The painting "Peonies" by Empress Dowager Cixi is an exquisite example of traditional Chinese art, utilizing ink and color on silk to depict the lush and vibrant blooms of peonies, a symbol of prosperity and elegance in Chinese culture. The artwork reflects the refined aesthetic sensibilities of the Qing Dynasty court, where such botanical subjects were favored for their auspicious meanings and decorative appeal.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Harvard Art Museum

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Peonies