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
Asian Art - Chinese Gallery
Level 1, NGV International
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.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
China
Inscription
painted in brush and ink (in image) u.r.: 山月
stamped in red ink (in image) u.r.: 關
Accession Number
AS6-1983
Department
Asian Art
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation
Physical description
Classical and folk inspired interpretation of blossoming plum.