Sounding Stone

20th century

Not on view

Sounding stones, usually of jade, which ring clear tones when struck, appear in depictions of Chinese ceremony since the Warring States period (475–221 B.C.). The stones are auspicious, as noted by Qi in his inscription on this painting; when spoken "jiqing" can mean both "auspicious" and "beat the sounding stone."

The graphic clarity of Qi's composition, the resonant meanings simply expressed and appealing color are qualities that made Qi's art much sought after, even in wartime Peking.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Exhibition History

清/現代　齊白石　磬圖　軸
Title: Sounding Stone
Artist: Qi Baishi (Chinese, 1864–1957)
Date: 20th century
Culture: China
Medium: Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper
Dimensions: 25 3/4 x 29 3/4 in. (65.4 x 75.6 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Gift of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, in memory of La Ferne Hatfield Ellsworth, 1986
Object Number: 1986.267.233
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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Windblown Orchids, Qi Baishi Chinese, Hanging scroll; ink and pale color on paper, China — Windblown Orchids
Qi Baishi
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Seal, Qi Baishi Chinese, Soapstone (shoushan type), China — Seal
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Chicks, Qi Baishi Chinese, Hanging scroll; ink wash on paper, China — Chicks
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Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons, Qi Baishi Chinese, Four framed hanging scrolls; ink and color on paper, China — Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons
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undated

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