Birds and Flowers of Early Spring Artist: Unknown

late 15th–early 16th century

Asian Art

By appointment, Wurtele Study Center

The touches of melting snow on the branches, bamboo leaves, and plum flowers situate this painting at the turn of the seasons. Both bamboo and plum serve as symbols of renewal in Chinese literature and art, as well as metaphors for the upright character of scholars. The quails in the foreground are joined by five lively birds nestled among the blossoming branches.

Medium

Hanging scroll, ink and color on silk

Dimensions

without mounting: 61 1/8 × 36 3/4 in. (155.2 × 93.3 cm)

Credit Line

Gift of Karen Wang in memory of Wong Nan-p'ing

Accession Number

1987.68.1

Geography

China

Culture

Chinese

Period

Ming dynasty (1368–1644)

Classification

Paintings

Disclaimer

Note: This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect the Yale University Art Gallery’s complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of records is ongoing.

Provenance
Karen Y. Yang; Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, Conn.
Object copyright
No Copyright - United States
Additional information

Object/Work type

Nature, hanging scrolls

Subject

birds (animals) flowers (plants) spring

Signed

n.s.

Technical metadata and APIs

IIIF

Open in Mirador

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