Birds and orchids
17th-18th century
Swiftly 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.
Ink on paper
Overall (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)
Gift of Frank S. Bayley III
2021.36.3
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