Gao Fenghan (1683 - 1749) is a Chinese artist closely associated with Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou (though he is not considered one of the eight), a group of eclectic artists during Qing dynasty China that rejects traditional painting notions, preferring individualism instead. Following the paralysis of his right hand at age fifty-four due to acute rheumatism, Gao painfully trained himself to write and draw with his left hand. By switching to his non-dominant hand, Gao’s art style gains a sense of dynamism that was less apparent when he was drawing with his dominant right hand. His new left-handed style eventually earned him fame, as well as positioned him along with the Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou.
Chrysanthemums by a Rock is one of Gao’s works after he switched to using his left hand. In the painting, the brushstrokes used by Gao are expressive rather than precise. There is a sense of confident carelessness in his art style: linings curl and overlap, while ink washes often bleed beyond the confines of the outlines. This art style effectively encompasses the verdancy and unruliness of nature, with vigorous lining and colouring used to depict the exuberant bloom of chrysanthemums. His calligraphy seems to parallel his painting style – the characters vary in size, line weight, and spacing, giving the words a sense of naturalness and spontaneity.
Chrysanthemums by a Rock reflects the artist’s personal struggle, adaptation, and artistic freedom. Rather than creating a highly controlled and realistic image, the painting expresses emotion through energetic brushwork and flowing lines. The chrysanthemums symbolize endurance, elegance, and inner strength in Chinese culture, while the rock represents stability and resilience. The contrast between the soft flowers and the solid rock creates a balance between delicacy and strength. Since Gao Fenghan created works after training himself to paint with his left hand, the painting also becomes a representation of determination and transformation. The loose ink washes and expressive strokes suggest that beauty does not depend on perfection but can emerge through change and individuality. The artwork captures the natural vitality of plants and communicates the idea that limitations can become a source of creativity and new artistic expression. Overall, the painting represents persistence, freedom of expression, and harmony between human experience and nature.
