Detail View: The AMICA Library: Orchids

AMICA ID: 
MMA_.1973.120.10
AMICA Library Year: 
2002
Object Type: 
Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Description: 
This exquisite representation of an orchid , signed by Ma Lin, son of Ma Yuan (active ca. 1190?1225), exemplifies the style of formal realism favored by the aristocratic Southern Song court. The simple asymmetrical balance of flowers and leaves, meticulously rendered in subtle shades of lavender, white, and malachite green, bespeaks a consciously aestheticizing sensibility. Such flower paintings recall late Southern Song lyric poems about flowers.
Creator Nationality: 
Asian; Far East Asian; Chinese
Creator Dates/Places: 
China active ca. 1180?after 1256
Creator Name-CRT: 
Ma Lin
Title: 
Orchids
View: 
Principal view
Creation Date: 
Southern Song dynasty (1127?1279)
Creation Start Date: 
1127
Creation End Date: 
1279
Materials and Techniques: 
Album leaf; ink and color on silk
Dimensions: 
10 7/16 x 8 7/8 in. (26.5 x 22.5 cm)
AMICA Contributor: 
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Owner Location: 
New York, New York
ID Number: 
1973.120.10
Credit Line: 
Ex coll.: C.C. Wang Family, Gift of The Dillon Fund, 1973
Inscriptions: 
Signed: "Ma Lin"
Copyright: 
Copyright ? 2002 The Metropolitan Museum of Art . All rights reserved.
Rights: 
Related Image Identifier Link: 
MMA_.h1_1973.120.10.tif