Artwork

Yellow Chrysanthemums and Red Osmanthus in the Style of Wang Yuan

Yellow Chrysanthemums and Red Osmanthus in the Style of Wang Yuan is an unspecified painting by the Ming dynasty painting artist Shen Zhou. It dates from 1468 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This painting on silk, created in 1468, depicts yellow chrysanthemums and red osmanthus flowers in a vase.

About this work

A scholar’s hand paints deep orange osmanthus and yellow chrysanthemums on silk.

A scholar’s hand paints deep orange osmanthus and yellow chrysanthemums on silk. The flowers sit in a pale vase, their stems bending slightly. A single line of poetry runs across the top, dated 1468.

This isn’t just a still life—it copies a Yuan artist’s brushwork. Shen Zhou’s version feels freer, less strict.

See how the petals fray at the edges? That’s his quiet trick. Next, look up Shen Zhou (Chinese, 1427–1509).

Overview

This painting on silk, created in 1468, depicts yellow chrysanthemums and red osmanthus flowers in a vase. Shen Zhou, a prominent figure in literati culture, executed the work in a style emulating the Yuan dynasty painter Wang Yuan.

Subject & Meaning

The flowers, both autumnal bloomers, are rendered in detail. Osmanthus, known for its fragrance, is depicted in deep orange hues. The painting's composition and inscription suggest a connection to traditional Chinese art and poetry.

Technique & Style

Shen Zhou's brushwork combines color-filled strokes and washes, foreshadowing the style of later flower painters like Yun Shouping. The delicate, frayed edges of the petals showcase his subtle technique. The work's scale and complexity are notable.

History & Provenance

Shen Zhou, from a land-owning family in Suzhou, dedicated his life to the arts due to not pursuing government service. The painting is dated 1468, during his active period as an artist.