Yu-Lan was painted by Unknown in 1780.

Where can I see Yu-Lan?

Yu-Lan is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Yu-Lan?

Yu-Lan is associated with Qing dynasty painting.

Artwork

Yu-Lan

Unknown , 1780

Yu-Lan is a paint painting by the Qing dynasty painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1780 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This rectangular oil painting, dated 1780, presents a close‑up view of a single branch extending from the right side of the canvas.

About this work

Overview

This rectangular oil painting, dated 1780, presents a close‑up view of a single branch extending from the right side of the canvas. A prominent white flower with numerous petals dominates the composition, accompanied by several small, rounded green leaves and a few brownish foliage elements. The background is plain, allowing the delicate botanical forms to command visual attention.

Subject & Meaning

The work concentrates on a solitary branch, emphasizing the contrast between the luminous white petals and the dark, almost black stem. The central area of the main blossom is rendered in a warm brown tone, suggesting the seed head. The composition invites contemplation of natural fragility and the quiet beauty of a single flowering moment.

Technique & Style

The artist renders the petals with a soft, slightly wrinkled surface, achieved through fine brushwork that captures subtle texture. The dark branch is painted with deep, saturated tones, while the green leaves are rendered in rounded, smooth shapes. The stark juxtaposition of light and dark, along with the meticulous detailing of the flower’s center, creates a clear visual hierarchy.

History & Provenance

The painting entered the museum’s collection in 1889 after being purchased from the dealer E. Parsons. Its acquisition is recorded in the Asia Department registers, and the provenance was reaffirmed during a research project conducted in 2022 that examined the museum’s historical records.