The harbinger of spring
(迎春圖)
(c. 1980)
Medium
ink and pigment on paper
Measurements
93.9 × 60.5 cm (image and sheet)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Presented by The Federation of Chinese Associations, 1983
© The estate of Guan Shanyue
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work
Here the traditional theme of the blossoming plum tree is painted in a vibrant modern style. The prunus – the first flower of the year to blossom, even before the snow has melted – is the harbinger of spring. The excitement of life is felt in the new branches shooting upwards. A feeling of joy and excitement heralds the arrival of spring. This sentiment expresses the modern spirit of China: when referring to the flourishing of cultural and artistic activities, Mao Zedong once said, ‘Let a hundred flowers blossom.’ Guan Shanyue is one of contemporary China’s most celebrated artists; he visited Melbourne in 1983, when this painting was first exhibited at the NGV.
