Dianchun Pavilion
Gao Fenghan
Qing Dynasty
- MEDIUM:Ink and color on silk
- FORMATS:Handscroll
- DIMENSIONS:Height 36.8 cm; Width 180.5 cm
Introduction
‘Dianchun’, meaning late spring, is the name of the pavilion in the estate of Zhu Chongxun, a renowned Qing dynasty poet. Gao Fenghan, then 44 years old, visited the pavilion at the invitation of his friend Zhu Chongxun. In high spirits, he joyfully painted this handscroll as a gift. This masterful long scroll, painted with Gao Fenghan’s right hand, captures the delightful scene of peonies in full bloom at Dianchun Pavilion in late spring. Departing from his usual simple style, Gao Fenghan rendered the scene with meticulous detail and delicate colouring: red peonies by vermilion railings, sparse willows and tall parasol trees, layered pavilions and lush green fields—all the splendor of spring captured vividly. The composition is dense but never overcrowded, rich yet elegant, filled with a whimsical charm that seems to extend beyond the painting itself.
The Qing painter Zhu Min inscribed the opening title “Heavenly Fragrance’s Later Part” (天香后部), suggesting that the beauty of Dianchun Pavilion rivals that of the heavenly-scented peonies, leaving visitors reluctant to depart.
