Colorful Peony Flower Painting
58.8cm
23"
57.5cm
22½"

Approximate Measurements

Artwork Panel: 47.5cm x 48.8cm  ≈  18¾" x 19¼"

Silk/Brocade Border: 57.5cm x 58.8cm  ≈  22½" x 23"

富貴花開

Colorful Peony Flowers

The Chinese title written on this artwork means "Blooming Flowers, Riches and Honor". The second part is obvious, and "Riches and Honor or "Fu Gui" is a nickname in Chinese for peony flowers.

The peony is the unofficial national flower of China. It dates back far into Chinese history.

In fact, during the Tang Dynasty (618-907AD) legend has it that the emperor's concubines would often wear peonies in their hair vying for favor from the emperor.

Note: The xuan paper used to create this artwork is handmade. You may find fibers, husks, or other specks pressed into the paper. These artifacts are a sign of the handmade nature of the paper.


This work was done in Chengdu by Huang Xin'an (Pronounced a little bit like "who-ong shin un") from the Sichuan (Szechwan) Province of China.

After I bought this work in Chengdu, I later returned to Beijing and had it mounted with a traditional silk brocade border in our workshop. This makes a nice, ready-to-frame piece of wonderful hand-painted art.

Chinese artist Huang Xin'an

Huang Xin'an signing some of his work in Chengdu.


The story behind how I found this art...

I lost track of Huang Xin'an after my last trip to Chengdu. His phone number was out of order, and I was disappointed that I could not contact him to get more of his paintings.

I make the decision to go to Chengdu on my new art-buying trip mostly because of him.

After 15 hours on a slow train, I arrive in Chengdu. I check-in at Sam's Guesthouse (a hangout for backpackers from around the world, and a hostel with reasonably-priced beds). After a much-needed shower, I head out to find Huang Xin'an.

Taxis drive at the speed-of-light in Chengdu (the city boasts over 1000 fatal auto accidents per year), I arrive in no-time at the place I last found Mr. Huang. Sure enough, as I walk down the alley toward his gallery, he sees me and runs out to greet me. I'm really happy to see him, and the feeling is mutual.

Huang Xin-An

I tell him how I came to Chengdu just to buy art from him (after not being able to reach him on the phone). He is so honored that I think he wants to hug me. He offers me a chair, and says he's painted a lot of work over that last 9 months with both me and my customers in mind. I was also honored by this gesture. He shows me a lot of new work in styles that I like.

I spend 2 days with Mr. Huang and we talk about a lot of new ideas and artwork that I think my western customers will like. He offers to close his gallery for a few days, and paint the art that I asked for. So I took a few days to meet and visit other artists in Chengdu. When I return to Mr. Huang's gallery, I am not disappointed. He did such a great job, words can't describe.