Deer By Stormy Sea
Can I see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “Deer By Stormy Sea” now? Collection: Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis. Not on view at present. Checked September 29, 2026.
Minneapolis, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the painting
Born in Shandong province, Ma Futu passed his Ju Ren (bachelor) degree but, there is no record that he held government office. Almost all of his extant paintings, like the present work, were executed in large part with the tips or nails of his fingers as well as with the brush. Finger painting was revitalized by the Shunzhi emperor (r. 1644-1661) helping make it fashionable during early Qing.
The subjects of Ma's paintings generally lend themselves to the expressionistic finger painting technique. The deer and pines of the present work are standard Daoist emblems of longevity and scholarly aspirations. The rolling waves and wind symbolize the forces of the universe and often serve as vehicles for Buddhist and Daoist immortals.
The inscription reads:
Finger-painted by Ma Futu.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Details
- Accession number
- 98.104.1
In the catalog
Sources
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Image: Minneapolis Institute of Art — public domain
