Peonies and Orchids, Hanging Scroll

Zheng Xie (Zheng Banqiao) painted many bamboos, orchids, and rocks throughout his life, while depictions of peonies are exceedingly rare. As the renowned art connoisseur Xu Bangda noted in his inscription: “Banqiao is known for bamboo and orchids; his paintings of the flower of wealth and honor are seldom seen.”

This work portrays a scene where peonies and orchids grow together. The peonies are rendered with subtle gradations of ink and color, their petals layered to create a rich, opulent presence. On the rocks, orchids appear in slender, graceful forms, echoing the peonies from a distance, each flower type complementing the other. In the upper left, Zheng inscribes his own poem:

‘This is the flower of wealth and honor in the human world,

Beside the orchid buds at the foot of the hill.

Only those of virtue, past and present, attain true blessings;

Gentlemen and men of worth always stand side by side.’

In this composition, the peony—symbolizing splendor and prosperity—and the orchid—representing the refined integrity of scholars—are harmoniously united, blending “magnificence” with “elegance.” This serves both as praise for the recipient of the work and as a heartfelt wish for their good fortune.