The Four Seasons Suite,

attributed to Fatqua, Canton, China, 1805-1815.

Footnotes

Note
Fatqua's Four Seasons Suite represents some of the best executed work in the canvas medium by a Chinese artist in the early 19th century. Chinese genre paintings of this era are rarely so ambitious in their subject matter, and normally depict much simpler domestic activities. Scenes like these set at night and in the snow are especially rare. The paintings are also quite large compared to most other Chinese works on canvas of the time, particularly those made to be hung as sets.

The Suite depicts important events from daily life in Imperial China, with special attention to activities that characterize each season of the year.

Spring's essence is captured in a rare moonlight night scene where boatmen participate in the lantern festival of the Lunar New Year. Reflections of lantern lights on the still water, and the full moon shining through thin clouds grant an otherworldly beauty to this ancient tradition that marks the final day of the yearly celebration.

Summer dragon boat races originated in southeastern China, and are traditionally held in the month of June, coinciding with the 5th month of the Lunar Year. Dragons, often thought of as guardians of waterways, represent benevolence and good fortune, and the colorfully decorated boats and fierce competition in this crew-like sport embody the energetic spirit of Summer. In this painting, spectators cheer from the shore as one boat appears to pull in front of the other.

In Autumn a gentleman, possibly a Hong merchant, disembarks from a riverboat to the reception of several soldiers with banners. Leaves have fallen from many of the trees near the temple as a sign of fall, when many cultures have historically made time to remember their dead. Such rituals were especially important in China, where the influence of Confucianism placed great emphasis on honoring one's ancestors, often including a special Autumn sacrifice. The nine-story pagoda at Whampoa can be seen over the hill in the background.

Winter's ice and snow blankets a military encampment outside a walled city as officials observe an archery competition from a nearby pavilion. One of the contestants aims at the target as he prepares to loose an arrow. Noteworthy is the darkened and cloudless skyscape that captures winter's melancholy

Provenance
Probably purchased in London, England, c. 1955; probably then purchased from Child's Gallery, Boston, Massachusetts, late 1950s.

Literature
Crossman, Carl, The Decorative Arts of the China Trade, London, 1991. pp. 156-159.