Banana tree

Artist Bio
Chen Shuren, original name Shao, literary name De’an Laoren or Ershan Shanqiao, was a native of Panyu in Guangdong province. As one of the “Three Masters of the Lingnan School”, he learned painting under Ju Lian in his early years and later pursued his studies in Japan.
Description
The banana tree has always been a perfect subject for expressing the subtlety of ink and brushwork, but this hanging scroll by Chen differs from more traditional paintings thanks to its spontaneous use of charming colours and the application of a Western perspective. Although working with a simplified form, Chen is still able to capture the essence of the tree, as he contrasts a small bird resting on a branch with the large banana tree and its central setting in the composition. Chen’s simple and spontaneous personal style makes him the most lyrical literati artist of the “Three Masters of the Lingnan School”.
—Collection of Hong Kong Museum of Art
More information
Hong Kong Museum of Art