Artwork Description

Title: Lotus Pond Double Envy
Artist: Mo Xiong
Date: n.d.
Medium: Ink and watercolor on paper
Dimensions: 13.8 x 53.5 in (35 x 136 cm)

Artwork Identification
Lotus Pond Double Envy presents a poetic composition by Mo Xiong, showcasing two mandarin ducks nestled among blooming lotus flowers rendered in vibrant watercolor and expressive ink. The horizontal scroll format guides the viewer’s eye across a tranquil pond scene imbued with tonal harmony and rhythmic foliage. With each petal and plumage delicately formed, the artist conveys an atmosphere of serene companionship amid nature’s quiet drama.

Artistic Style and Influences
Rooted in traditional Chinese symbolism, the lotus and mandarin ducks serve as classic emblems of purity and romantic fidelity. Mo Xiong, however, infuses these motifs with a distinct modernity—layering them with Western painterly textures and a liberated color palette. The interplay of ethereal blues and glowing magentas mirrors both the technical versatility and cultural duality that define his work.

Historical Context
Set against the broader revival of traditional ink painting in the late 20th and early 21st century, this piece embodies a conscious reimagining of the scholar-artist tradition. Mo Xiong’s art reflects the intellectual spirit of the literati while engaging with the expressive possibilities of postmodern visual culture. His lyrical representations of nature evoke a timeless introspection adapted to contemporary sensibilities.

Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

Condition and Conservation
This work is in very good condition. The colors remain vibrant, the paper shows no signs of warping or deterioration, and the pigments appear stable. Occasional speckling is original to the artist’s technique and not due to damage.

Artistic Significance
Lotus Pond Double Envy stands as a vivid example of Mo Xiong’s artistic voice—introspective, technically assured, and cross-cultural. The gentle interplay between symbolism and painterly abstraction enhances the emotional resonance of the piece, making it both a tribute to classical aesthetics and a testament to the enduring innovation in Chinese contemporary painting.