Lot 206: Zha Sheng (18th c.), "Plantain Tree, Rock and

Zha Sheng (18th c.), "Plantain Tree, Rock and Lingzhi Fungus", ink on paper, signed "Zha Sheng" and dated 1756 ("Qianlong era, the bingzi year, qinghe month, third day") lower right, 31 1/2 in. x 7 1/4 in, framed and glazed. Note: Plantains are common in southern Chinese gardens, where they are admired for their broad leaves. When combined with the rock (permanence) and the lingzhi fungus (symbol of immortality) they create a variation on the "three friends of winter" theme, representing resistance to the elements and the ability to withstand hardship. The above artist appears to have the same name as the 17th century calligrapher Zha Sheng (1650-1707).