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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

Object Information
  • 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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