This Chinese scroll painting shows bamboo in the wind, brushed with the easy confidence of a practiced hand. The bamboo has always been a favorite subject, and you can see why — it carries the whole scroll. Study it a while and ink bamboo, butterflies and ink wash emerge from the background, each one carefully observed.
The ink wash manner suits the subject perfectly — a few tones of black ink carry the whole scene. People who collect this genre will read the meaning at once — butterflies speak of joy, love and a light heart. The coloring is ink tones and soft grays, in the mineral-pigment manner that ages gracefully. Negative space does half the work — the empty silk around ink bamboo lets the subject breathe. The elongated shape invites a slow look; it reads like a walk through the scene rather than a quick photo.
Collectors of bamboo silk wall art will find this one easy to live with. Surround it with quiet, simple pieces and the scroll will hold the space. It is a fine example of ink bamboo and butterflies Chinese painting, the kind of piece that grows on you.
