Butterflies among the blossoms fill this Chinese scroll painting, and it settles into a space the moment it goes up. It is the butterfly that holds the eye first; everything else in the scroll plays supporting role. Study it a while and aster, orchid and blue emerge from the background, each one carefully observed.
Classic silk ground here — smooth, matte, and gentle with the palette. The symbolism is part of the pleasure: butterflies speak of joy, love and a light heart. The coloring is soft blues, touches of gold and lively, varied color, in the mineral-pigment manner that ages gracefully. Autumn runs through it — ripe color, clear air, the year turning, and the scroll knows it. No frame required; the classic silk mounting is the finished presentation.
One nail in a quiet wall — the scroll's entire wish list. Hung straight from its cord with no frame required, it brings a calm focal point to whatever wall it meets. It is a fine example of aster and orchid Chinese painting, the kind of piece that grows on you.
