Cat, Butterflies and Plum Blossoms

QI BAISHI (1863-1957) Cat, Butterflies and Plum Blossoms Hanging scroll, ink and colour on paper 177.8 x 45.7 cm. (70 x 18 in.) Inscribed and signed, with two seals of the artist Dated autumn, yichou year (1925) Dedicated to Zimei NOTE: Cat, Butterflies and Plum Blossoms was created in 1925, the sixth year of Qi Baishi’s stylistic transformation. Two red plum branches frame a brown tabby cat, while two butterflies flutter above, creating a lively diagonal composition. Though relaxed, the cat seems ready to jump up to capture the butterflies, adding tension to the bright, playful scene. Qi blends bold calligraphic strokes with everyday charm to achieve a perfect balance. The imagery of cats and butterflies is a homophone for “octogenarians”, symbolizing longevity and conveying the artist’s wishes for the owner’s long life.