If your wall needs a focal point, consider this: butterflies among the blossoms in a classic Chinese scroll painting. The butterfly has always been a favorite subject, and you can see why — it carries the whole scroll. Look closer and you'll pick out begonia, pink and colorful gongbi — each stroke placed with intent.
As a colorful gongbi butterfly painting, it sits comfortably alongside much older pieces without feeling like a copy. Beyond the looks, there is meaning: butterflies speak of joy, love and a light heart. The coloring is pale pinks and lively, varied color, in the mineral-pigment manner that ages gracefully. Stand back and the whole holds together; step close and begonia rewards the visit. The elongated shape invites a slow look; it reads like a walk through the scene rather than a quick photo.
A study, a tea room, a hallway you walk slowly — those are its places. In a study or a corner set aside for quiet, few things serve better. It is a fine example of begonia and pink Chinese painting, the kind of piece that grows on you.
