Art Institute of Chicago

Plum, Pine, and Bamboo

Xugu (Chinese, 1823-1896)

Date

Qing dynasty (1644–1911), mid- to late 19th century

Medium

Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper

Culture

China

Department

Arts of Asia

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

This painting presents the overlapping branches of pine, plum, and bamboo trees—three species traditionally asso-ciated with integrity because of their enduring nature. Xugu, originally named Zhu Huairen, was a military officer who gave up his career to become a Chan Buddhist monk during the Taiping Rebellion (1850–64). After wander-ing the cities to sell his paintings, he settled in Shanghai and became a prominent member of the art world there. Xugu excelled at capturing lively impressions of plants and animals, such as bamboo, wisteria, squirrels, and fish.

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