Artwork
明 佚名 (傳)馬麟 雪梅圖 團扇|Snow Plum
明 佚名 (傳)馬麟 雪梅圖 團扇|Snow Plum is an ink painting by the Ming dynasty painting artist After Ma Lin. It dates from 1120 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This small, round fan painting, executed on silk with ink, presents a solitary plum branch bending across the surface.
About this work
Overview
This small, round fan painting, executed on silk with ink, presents a solitary plum branch bending across the surface. The blossoms appear lightly dusted with snow, creating a delicate contrast between the dark ink and the pale background. The work is dated to the early twelfth century and is attributed, though not signed, to the hand of Ma Lin, a noted court painter of the period.
Subject & Meaning
The composition focuses on a single plum branch, a motif traditionally associated with resilience and purity in Chinese art. The depiction of snow‑covered blossoms reinforces themes of endurance amid adversity, suggesting an appreciation for the quiet strength of nature during the winter season.
Technique & Style
Rendered with fine ink strokes on silk, the painting employs a light, almost translucent wash that conveys the chill of a snowy landscape. The brushwork is precise yet understated, allowing the negative space of the silk to suggest depth and atmosphere without heavy detailing.
History & Provenance
Although the artist’s name does not appear on the piece, stylistic analysis links it to Ma Lin, a court painter known for serene, lyrical scenes. The fan format indicates it was likely created for a scholar or official who valued portable works of art as personal adornments.
Context
During the medieval period in China, round fans served both functional and aesthetic purposes, often carried by literati to display cultivated taste. This painting exemplifies the tradition of integrating refined brush techniques with symbolic botanical subjects for personal contemplation.
Artist & collection
Artist
This artist followed the tradition of Chinese Southern Song court painting, making small fan-shaped album leaves in ink and color on silk.
