Who painted Cockscomb?

Cockscomb was painted by Shen Zhou in 1498.

Where can I see Cockscomb?

Cockscomb is held by National Palace Museum.

What movement is Cockscomb?

Cockscomb is associated with Ming dynasty painting.

Artwork

Cockscomb

Shen Zhou , 1498

Cockscomb is an unspecified painting by the Ming dynasty painting artist Shen Zhou. It dates from 1498 and is held in the collection of the National Palace Museum.

About this work

Overview

Cockscomb is a Chinese painting executed in 1498 by the Ming‑dynasty scholar‑artist Shen Zhou. The work measures roughly a hand‑scroll format and is part of the collection of the National Palace Museum in Taipei. It presents a single botanical subject rendered with restrained composition and a modest palette, characteristic of Shen’s literati approach.

Subject & Meaning

The central motif is a cockscomb plant, identified by its tall, arching leaves and a tuft of dark‑hued blossoms at the apex. The plant’s solitary presence, coupled with the sparse inscription on the right, suggests an appreciation of natural simplicity and may allude to themes of resilience and seasonal change common in Chinese garden poetry.

Technique & Style

The calligraphic characters and a small red seal are integrated into the composition with the same ink brush, reinforcing the unity of painting and poetry.

Shen Zhou employs bold, confident brushstrokes to outline the foliage, while varying ink density creates subtle chiaroscuro that gives the leaves a three‑dimensional quality. Dark pigments dominate the composition, punctuated by lighter washes that suggest light falling across the surface. The calligraphic characters and a small red seal are integrated into the composition with the same ink brush, reinforcing the unity of painting and poetry.

History & Provenance

Created toward the end of Shen Zhou’s career, Cockscomb entered the imperial collection before being transferred to the National Palace Museum after the relocation of the Chinese court’s artworks in the mid‑20th century. The painting has been documented in several catalogues of Ming literati art, confirming its attribution to Shen and its continuous presence in major Chinese art holdings.