Unroll this scroll and a flower-and-bird scene open up before you, painted the old way on silk. The bird-and-blossom subject gives the scroll its character — a familiar theme, painted with fresh eyes. Look closer and you'll pick out plum blossom and grey background — each stroke placed with intent.
As a flower-and-bird painting it keeps easy company with far older works, without ever feeling derivative. Beyond the looks, there is meaning: plum blossom opens in the cold, the emblem of perseverance. Spring is in the air here — new shoots, birds coming back, blossom on the branch. At eye level it invites a closer look, yet never shouts over the room.
Decent light, a clear stretch of wall — that is the whole installation manual. If you collect flower and bird pieces, this one earns its place. It is a fine example of plum blossom and grey background Chinese painting, the kind of piece that grows on you.
