Three Fish, Hanging Scroll
Li Fangying
Qing Dynasty
- MEDIUM:Ink on paper
- FORMATS:Hanging scroll
- DIMENSIONS:Height 122 cm; Width 45 cm
Introduction
In addition to excelling at painting plum, orchid, pine, and bamboo, Li Fangying also frequently depicted swimming fish, though such works are extremely rare. In Chinese culture, fish symbolize stability, joy, and prosperity. As early as the Shang dynasty, fish forms appeared on jade ornaments, and in later generations, expressions such as “nian nian you yu” (may you have abundance every year) conveyed auspicious wishes.
This painting shows three fish—one large and two small—tied to a willow branch, executed in a Xie Yi (freehand) style. With only a few vigorous strokes, Li Fangying defines the forms of the fish, adding slight texture and touches of dark ink to give them a fuller, more three-dimensional appearance. The bold and expressive brushwork captures ordinary objects from daily life, reflecting Li Fangying’s unrestrained personality. Painted when he was 42, during a stable period in his official career, this Three Fish composition not only conveys auspicious meanings but also expresses his aspiration for greater recognition in society.
