Classical Chinese painting loved scenes like this one — grasshopper, melon and melon leaf, balanced on silk with a sure hand. It has the settled feeling of a composition refined over centuries. What makes it work are the particulars: grasshopper, melon and melon leaf, painted with a light, sure touch.
The colorful gongbi manner suits the subject perfectly — fine outlines filled with layered mineral color. It is the kind of image scholars once hung for its meaning as much as its beauty: grasshoppers sing of late summer and abundant harvests. Expect clean whites, touches of gold and lively, varied color throughout; the restraint is deliberate, and it works. The brush never overstates its case. Grasshopper says exactly as much as needed, and no more. One cord, one nail: the scroll hangs flat and true, in the time-honored fashion.
A chinese painting scroll silk wall art like this brings a settled, scholarly feeling to any room. A dependable gift for someone growing a Chinese art collection — or just beginning one. It is a fine example of grasshopper and melon Chinese painting, the kind of piece that grows on you.
