北宋 徽宗 竹禽圖 卷|Finches and bamboo

Emperor Huizong

early 12th century · Handscroll; ink and color on silk · Asian Art

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.

Artist

Emperor Huizong

Date

early 12th century

Medium

Handscroll; ink and color on silk

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

John M. Crawford Jr. Collection, Purchase, Douglas Dillon Gift, 1981