Artwork Description

Title: Rich Flowers
Artist: Chang Wenwen
Date: n.d.
Medium: Ink and color on paper
Dimensions: 27.2 × 54.3 in (69 × 138 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
Rich Flowers presents an exuberant array of blooming peonies, rendered in rich tones of pink, coral, and crimson. The blossoms cascade across the composition, supported by delicately painted foliage and twisting branches. The artist's brushwork captures both the softness of petals and the strength of natural growth, evoking a sense of dynamic beauty and elegance.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Rooted in the classical Chinese flower painting tradition, this work draws on the symbolic language of the peony—long considered a representation of wealth, honor, and prosperity (富贵). Chang Wenwen’s use of vibrant colors and expressive, freehand brushstrokes aligns with the xieyi (寫意) or "freehand" style, emphasizing mood and spirit over meticulous detail.

3. Historical Context
Peony painting has been a central theme in Chinese art since the Tang and Song Dynasties. Often commissioned or gifted to convey wishes of success and happiness, these floral compositions have been prized across dynastic eras and continue to resonate with contemporary collectors.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition. The colors remain vivid, and the paper shows no significant signs of damage or deterioration.

6. Artistic Significance
Chang Wenwen's Rich Flowers embodies the classical ideals of beauty and auspicious meaning in Chinese flower painting. Its joyous energy, masterful composition, and cultural symbolism make it a compelling piece for collectors of both traditional and contemporary Chinese art.