Finches and bamboo

early 12th century

Not on view

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.

Artwork Details

北宋　徽宗　竹禽圖　卷
Title: Finches and bamboo
Artist: Emperor Huizong (Chinese, 1082–1135; r. 1100–25)
Period: Northern Song dynasty (960–1127)
Date: early 12th century
Culture: China
Medium: Handscroll; ink and color on silk
Dimensions: 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)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: John M. Crawford Jr. Collection, Purchase, Douglas Dillon Gift, 1981
Object Number: 1981.278
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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7710. Finches and Bamboo

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