Deer By Stormy Sea
On View In:
Gallery 201
Artist:   Ma Fu-t'u  
Title:   Deer By Stormy Sea  
Date:   c. 1670  
Medium:   Ink and color on paper  
Dimensions:   47 3/8 x 87 in. (120.33 x 220.98 cm) (image)  
Credit Line:   Gift of Ruth and Bruce Dayton  
Location:   Gallery 201  

Born in Shantung province, Ma Fu-t'u passed his chu-jen (bachelor) degree but, there is no record that he held government office. Almost all of his extant paintings, like the present work, were executed in large part with the tips or nails of his fingers as well as with the brush. Finger painting was revitalized by the Shun-chih emperor (r. 1644-1661) helping make it fashionable during early Ch'ing.

The subjects of Ma's paintings generally lend themselves to the expressionistic finger painting technique. The deer and pines of the present work are standard Taoist emblems of longevity and scholarly aspirations. The rolling waves and wind symbolize the forces of the universe and often serve as vehicles for Buddhist and Taoist immortals.

The inscription reads:

"Finger-painted by Ma Fu-t'u."

Artist/Creator(s)     
Name:   Fu-t'u, Ma  
Nationality:   Chinese  
Life Dates:   1614 - 1681  
 

Object Description  
  
Inscriptions:   Inscription; Stamps inscription of five characters undeciphered with two seals at URC  
Classification:   Painting  
Physical Description:   hanging scroll with image mounted sideways; stormy sea at right side; two pine trees and rocky shore frame three deer looking at the sea  
Creation Place:   Asia, China  
Accession #:   98.104.1  
Owner:   The Minneapolis Institute of Arts