Is this artwork authentic?

Yes. Every artwork sold by Kiln & Ink comes with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Qi Baishi. We guarantee the authenticity of every piece we sell, with a full refund if any claim is upheld within 12 months of purchase.

Can I return this artwork?

We accept returns within 14 days of delivery for items in original, undamaged condition with all original packaging and certificates included. Auction purchases and custom commissions are non-returnable.

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All artworks are professionally packed using museum-grade materials and fully insured for their declared value during transit. We ship worldwide. International shipments may be subject to import duties in your country.

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Printmaking

Cowpeas and Mantis

Name: Cowpeas and Mantis
Brand: Qi Baishi
SKU: qi-baishi-cowpeas-and-mantis
Price: 1590 USD
Availability: InStock

by Qi Baishi · changsha,hunan

$1,590

Only 2 remaining

MaterialInk on xuan paper, mounted on silkscroll

Dimensions35 x 40cm

Year1940

EditionUnique work

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Authenticity Guaranteed

Artist-estate Certificate of Authenticity, hand-numbered in pencil at the point of pulling.

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Free written provenance confirmation on request — for resale, insurance, donation, or independent appraisal, in perpetuity.

Worldwide Express Shipping

Free over $500. Acid-free archival tissue, rigid tube, fully insured.

14-Day Returns

Easy returns on undamaged works in original packaging.

The Story

This piece comes from Qi Baishi’s beloved Insect Album, created during his mature years. Inspired by everyday life in his garden, he often painted common vegetables and small insects, finding beauty in the ordinary. The inscription “Qi Daishi” reflects his personal signature style. The red radish and brown cowpeas are rendered with quick, confident brushstrokes, while the mantis is painted with extreme precision—its thin legs, antennae, and segmented body are all clearly visible. This contrast between the freehand vegetables and the meticulous insect perfectly shows Qi’s mastery of both styles. For Qi, this painting was more than just a still life. It was a celebration of life’s simple joys, blending folk symbolism of abundance with his unique artistic vision. Even in his old age, he continued to paint such scenes, finding endless inspiration in the natural world around him.

Craft & Process

The work combines freehand brushwork for vegetables and meticulous detail for the mantis. The concept captures the beauty of everyday life, blending folk symbolism with Qi’s signature style of balancing boldness and precision.

About the Artist

Qi Baishi

changsha,hunan

Qi Baishi (1864–1957) was a great Chinese painter, calligrapher and seal carver. He was famous for vivid shrimps, flowers and birds, with a fresh and simple artistic style.

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