Hibiscus and Swimming Fish (芙蓉遊魚)

This painting, titled "Hibiscus and Swimming Fish," delicately captures the subtle interactions of nature. The hibiscus flowers in the painting are highlighted in vibrant pink hues, while the gracefully swimming fish below form a harmonious contrast. The soft green tones of the leaves provide a tranquil background for the vivid blossoms. The inscription beside the painting reads: "灼灼芙蓉花，淩寒發紅萼。徒有拒霜姿，臨風自開落." This verse, penned by the scholar Zhi Tang, conveys that the hibiscus flowers bloom their red calyxes even amidst the harsh cold, possessing a posture that resists frost. They sway with the wind, blossoming and wilting as the breeze dictates. This adds to the theme of the painting, reflecting the natural resilience and fleeting beauty of the flowers.