Ink Peony (墨牡丹)

In Professor Li Hongzhao's "Ink Peony," the magnificence of the peony, the king of flowers, is vividly portrayed with rich ink strokes, displaying its noble and elegant demeanor. The petals are layered thickly, with dense ink rendering a sense of depth, reflecting Professor Li's profound artistic skills and meticulous brushwork. The inscription cites a verse from the poem "Tune of Pure Serenity" by the Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai: "A single branch of red blooms exudes a dewy fragrance, vainly tormenting the heart with rain and clouds over Wushan. Who in the imperial palace can compare? The poor swallow leans on her new makeup." This not only adds a lyrical charm to the painting but also deepens its cultural resonance, allowing viewers to appreciate historical depth and literary beauty beyond the visual enjoyment. This painting is not just an expression of the peony's rich emotions but also an artistic dialogue across time and space.