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.

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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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Dragonfly Skimming the Water — main view

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Printmaking

Dragonfly Skimming the Water

Name: Dragonfly Skimming the Water
Brand: Qi Baishi
SKU: qi-baishi-dragonfly-skimming-the-water
Price: 1590 USD
Availability: InStock

by Qi Baishi · changsha,hunan

$1,590

In stock

MaterialInk on xuan paper, mounted on silkscroll

Dimensions40 x 32 cm

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.

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

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The Story

This piece is a quintessential example of Qi Baishi’s later-period flower-and-insect paintings, titled Xiang Yuan Yi Qing (translating to “Fragrance Spreads Far and Clear”). The name references the purity and elegance of the lotus in Chinese culture. The bright red lotus and deep green leaves are rendered with confident, expressive brushstrokes, creating a striking visual contrast. The two dragonflies—one with translucent wings, the other in bold black—are painted with extreme precision, bringing the scene to life. This blend of freehand background and meticulously detailed insects is a hallmark of Qi’s unique style. For Qi, this work was not just a depiction of a lotus pond; it was a celebration of nature’s quiet beauty. The lotus symbolizes purity and integrity, while the dragonflies add a sense of gentle movement, capturing the fleeting magic of a summer day.

Craft & Process

The work uses bold freehand brushwork for the lotus and leaves, paired with meticulous detail for the dragonflies. The concept centers on traditional Chinese symbolism of purity, capturing the serene beauty of a summer pond with expressive simplicity.

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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