pic01442 Yongjun Chen

The artwork presents a serene aquatic scene dominated by water lilies and their foliage. Here we observe a composition divided into distinct panels, suggesting a folding screen or a triptych format. The color palette is largely monochromatic, revolving around varying shades of blue and green, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and depth.
In the foreground, several large water lily blossoms in full bloom are rendered with meticulous detail. Their petals exhibit subtle gradations of white and pink, catching what appears to be diffused light. These lilies emerge from a dense network of broad, rounded leaves that float on the surface of the water. The artist has employed a technique that suggests both flatness and volume; the leaves appear almost sculptural in their form, while simultaneously maintaining a sense of two-dimensionality characteristic of East Asian painting traditions.
Beneath the lily pads, glimpses of fish are visible, adding a dynamic element to the otherwise still composition. Their forms are suggested rather than explicitly depicted, contributing to an overall feeling of mystery and hidden life within the water. The surface itself is not clearly defined; instead, it blends seamlessly with the surrounding foliage, blurring the boundaries between water and plant life.
The upper right panel contains what appears to be a calligraphic inscription in an Asian script. Its presence indicates that this work likely holds cultural or philosophical significance beyond its purely aesthetic qualities. It could represent a poem, a dedication, or a commentary on the scene depicted.
Subtly, the composition evokes themes of purity, renewal, and harmony with nature. The water lilies, often associated with spiritual enlightenment in Eastern cultures, symbolize transcendence and beauty emerging from stillness. The limited color range reinforces this sense of quiet contemplation, inviting the viewer to engage with the work on a meditative level. The division into panels further emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of all things within the natural world.