Spring In Royal Ming
Sucharita Maitra
Watercolour on Arches Paper
2023
This Spring floral artwork was inspired by my recent visit to the Royal Ontario Museum that has a legendary collection from the Ming Dynasty. I was both charmed and intrigued by the many beautiful hand painted ceramic works each of which had an imperial reign date and autograph with records dating back from 1368. The Chinese were renowned for their porcelain with its beauty, intricate detail, and design and craftmanship after an interesting long historical journey with the fusion and influence of Islamic, Persian, Tibetan and Arab inspired floral patterns. With the decline of the Ming Dynasty the exotic porcelain was sought out as prized possession.
Seeing these unique pieces and the advent of Spring in Ontario which always brings fresh beginnings, I felt a spontaneous desire to capture and share this historical beauty through my artwork. What if we enhance the beauty of this 13th century signature porcelain vase with fresh colourful spring flowers to create a warm blast of enchantment…? The interplay of colors and light through the dance of the brush with paper and vibrant flower colors alongside the blue and peach vase will charm and inspire beauty and appreciation of the glorious history of the piece and welcome the advent of Spring!
My paintings are inspired by my travels and my everyday experiences and tell a story to send the viewer's imagination on a journey to find their own story.