Two iron ‘paintings’

Two so-called iron ‘paintings’, one a composition of lotus flowers and leaves with waves underneath, the other depicting three large peonies on leafy branches.  The wrought-iron elements of petals, stems and leaves are made individually and joined together with small bolts.

• These striking flower compositions are rare examples of imitating ink painting in forged iron.  This art form flourished in the late 17th century when, according to Jenyns and Watson: “…T’ang T’ien-ch’ih, an iron worker, set the example by vying with the painter Hsiao Yun-ts'ung in depicting landscape.”1 A larger example, depicting chrysanthemums, is in the British Museum.2

1. Jenyns, R.S. and Watson, W. Chinese Art, Vol. II, p. 104.
2. Jenyns, R.S. and Watson, W. op. cit. no. 72, p. 104