Bidspirit auction | Qing Dynasty,Peony Symbol of Wealth

Qing Dynasty,Peony Symbol of Wealth and Honor ,by Jiang Pu - Jiang Pu (1708–1761), courtesy name Zhifu and art name Hengxuan, was a native of Changshu, Jiangsu. A prominent court painter, scholar-official, and political figure of the mid-Qing Dynasty, he was the son of the grand secretary Jiang Tingxi. Inheriting his family's artistic tradition, Jiang Pu excelled particularly in bird-and-flower painting. His style was meticulous and orderly, characterized by rich colors and a strong interest in lifelike representation (写生, xiesheng). He inherited and developed the distinctive Jiang style of flower-and-bird painting established by his father, and his talent was highly appreciated by the Qianlong Emperor, making him one of the representative court painters of his time. His works were often used for palace decoration or bestowed as imperial gifts to meritorious officials. Beyond his artistic achievements, Jiang Pu also reached the highest echelons of government. He obtained the jinshi degree in 1730 and rose to the position of Grand Secretary of the Eastern Cabinet (Dongge Daxueshi) alongside Minister of Revenue. He was a key advisor to the Qianlong Emperor and was posthumously honored with the title ”Wenke” (文恪). Due to his dual accomplishments in both art and politics, Jiang Pu is regarded as a highly successful exemplar of the Qing Dynasty's ”scholar-official painter” (词臣画家, cichen huajia) tradition.