Peacock

Title

Peacock

Creator

Zhao Shao'ang

Year/Period

Dated 1951

Region

China

Object Type

ink wash paintings

Material

Chinese ink, color (pigment), paper (fiber product)

Technique

gongbi, ink wash (technique), painting (image-making)

Dimension

Image size: L:168 cm x W:75 cm,
Image size: L:404 cm x W:94 cm

Accession No.

2000-07886

Collection of

Asian Civilisations Museum

Credit Line

From the Xiang Xue Zhuang Collection in memory of Dr Tan Tsze Chor

This painting shows Zhao’s virtuosity. Although the peacock is painted with its feathers down, it still looks spectacular and majestic. Its plumage is meticulously painted in the 'gongbi' style or fine brushwork and spreads magnificently across the foreground. The rock on which the bird is perched is rendered in a contrasting 'xieyi' or spontaneous manner. White is used as an undertone to bring out the brilliance of the turquoise feathers and the eyes. The 'gongbi' style refers to a technique in Chinese painting that requires meticulous brushstrokes and attention to details.