This Chinese scroll painting shows deer in a woodland setting, brushed with the easy confidence of a practiced hand. It is the deer that holds the eye first; everything else in the scroll plays supporting role. What makes it work are the particulars: crane, pine and peony, painted with a light, sure touch.
As a deer silk wall art, it sits comfortably alongside much older pieces without feeling like a copy. Like much classical Chinese art, it carries a wish inside the image — the wish for long life runs through Chinese art like a red thread. Winter's stillness settles over the scene — bare branches, held breath, quiet endurance. One cord, one nail: the scroll hangs flat and true, in the time-honored fashion.
A frameless hanging scroll in the classic style — give it a wall and it becomes the room's calm center. A single nail and a quiet stretch of wall are all it asks for. It is a fine example of crane and pine Chinese painting, the kind of piece that grows on you.
