Crabs

QI BAISHI (1863-1957) Crabs Hanging scroll, ink on paper 67.4 x 34.3 cm. (26 ½ x 13 ½ in.) Inscribed and signed, with one seal of the artist Dedicated to Miss Shantao NOTE: The dedication of this painting, Shantao, is likely Huang Shantao. Huang was a female student of Qi Baishi and was gifted many works by the artist. As early as 1928, Qi wrote about them discussing art and catching up over daily life with Huang. Qi also inscribed on Huang's paintings as a gesture of encouragement. As many of Qi's later paintings still bear dedications to Huang, one can presume that Huang still saw Qi Baishi frequently toward his old age, and the two remained close.