Finches and Bamboo
Item
Title
Finches and Bamboo
Description
Huizong was the eighth emperor of the Song dynasty and the most artistically accomplished of his imperial line. Finches and Bamboo exemplifies the realistic style of flower-and-bird painting practiced at Huizong’s academy. Whether making a study from nature or illustrating a line of poetry, however, the emperor valued capturing the spirit of a subject over literal representation. Here the minutely observed finches are imbued with the vitality of their living counterparts. Drops of lacquer added to the birds’eyes impart a final lifelike touch.
Identifier
Date
Northern Song dynasty (960–1127), early 12th century
Type
Format
Image: 13 1/4 × 21 13/16 in. (33.7 × 55.4 cm)
Overall with mounting: 13 3/4 in. × 27 ft. 6 5/16 in. (34.9 × 839 cm)
Language
Rights Holder
Contributor
John M. Crawford Jr. Collection, Purchase, Douglas Dillon Gift, 1981
