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Birds and orchids

Date17th-18th century

Label TextSwiftly executed calligraphic strokes depict the leaves of a wild orchid plant growing around a thorny branch. Despite its thorns, the branch is a popular perch: one bird resting on the branch turns to gaze at a second bird that is alighting. Motifs in the bird-and-flower genre are often meticulously rendered with fine outlines and bright colors. This painter chose instead to capture the moment with simple brushwork in plain black ink.

Object number2021.36.3

Provenance[Tong-In Gallery, New York]; purchased from gallery by Frank S. Bayley III, San Francisco, California, 2004; to Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington, 2021

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Boundless: Stories of Asian Art, February 8, 2020 - ongoing [on view beginning January 13, 2023]. Seattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Meot: Korean Art from the Frank Bayley Collection, August 28, 2024 - March 9, 2025.

Credit LineGift of Frank S. Bayley III

DimensionsOverall (mounting & endknobs & hanging cord): 54 3/4 × 18 3/8 in. (139 × 46.7 cm) Image (Painting only): 20 7/8 × 11 1/8 in. (53 × 28.3 cm)

MediumInk on paper