Cuppar Auction

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Qi Baishi’s 𝘓𝘰𝘵𝘶𝘴 is a heartfelt testament to the profound bond between Qi and his disciple Zhang Wanli. The conjoined lotus blossoms and paired Chinese perch fish symbolize blessings for him and his newly wedded wife. The inscription reveals Qi’s intent to convey personal affection through his art, offering sincere congratulations to his disciple Zhang Wanli and his wife.
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The composition strikes a refined balance between simplicity and intricacy; the brushwork flows freely yet remains exquisitely controlled. Through ink and color, the artist conjures a quiet summer pond, one that is serene, delicate, and alive with poetic mood.
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Beyond its artistic merit, this painting was exhibited in the 2014 Taipei retrospective: The Transformation of Imagination Brings Unexpected Acquisition, and featured on pages 34–35 of the accompanying catalogue. Its provenance can be traced back to the 2004 Christie’s Hong Kong Autumn Sale, underscoring its well-documented history of collection and transmission.
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As a rare grand composition that brings together two of Qi’s most cherished auspicious motifs, namely the double lotus and the perch, this work exemplifies the pinnacle of his iconic style. More importantly, it reflects a master’s tender hopes for the life journey of his devoted student, thereby standing as an enduring example of Qi’s painterly finesse merging with emotional resonance.
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LOT 346
𝐐𝐢 𝐁𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢 (1863-1957) Lotus
mounted and framed, ink and colour on paper
103.5 × 41.5 cm