Artwork
元李衎四季平安圖 軸
元李衎四季平安圖 軸 is an unspecified painting by Li Kan. It dates from 1292 and is held in the collection of the National Palace Museum. Created circa 1292, this hand‑scroll portrays bamboo across the four seasons, rendered in ink on silk.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1292, this hand‑scroll portrays bamboo across the four seasons, rendered in ink on silk. The composition balances a modest foreground of rocks and grasses with towering stalks, their dark silhouettes set against a muted, light‑brown ground. The restrained palette and quiet atmosphere invite quiet contemplation of the natural world.
Subject & Meaning
The work presents bamboo as a symbol of resilience and continuity, subtly varying its form to suggest seasonal change. By depicting the same plant through spring, summer, autumn and winter, the artist conveys a sense of enduring peace and stability, reflecting the Confucian ideal of harmonious order.
Technique & Style
Executed with precise brushstrokes, the artist employs the monochrome ink tradition associated with Wen Tong, emphasizing careful observation of texture and line. Delicate shading creates a sense of volume, while the controlled use of negative space highlights the elegance of each bamboo shoot.
History & Provenance
The scroll originates from the Yuan dynasty and is attributed to Li Kan, a native of Jiqiu county—modern Beijing—who was active in the late 13th century. It entered the collection of the National Palace Museum, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings of Chinese ink paintings.
Context
During the Yuan period, literati artists often turned to bamboo as a vehicle for personal expression, valuing its straightforward brushwork and moral symbolism. Li Kan’s rendition aligns with this tradition, integrating the seasonal motif to reflect broader philosophical concerns about constancy amid change.
Artist & collection
Artist
Lǐ Kàn (Li K'an, traditional: 李衎, simplified: 李衎; c. 1245 – 1320) was a Chinese painter during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368). Li was born in Jiqiu county (present-day Beijing). His style name was 'Zhong Bin' and his…
