Album of Calligraphy and Paintings
1704
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1704
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This painting shows three wild geese in flight above dark reeds by water. One bird leads, another follows, the third lingers behind—simple shapes, ink on paper. Bian Shoumin used fine lines to show feathers and ripples, nothing fancy. His geese stand for parting and sadness in autumn. Scholars read their flight as a quiet goodbye. No bright colors, just calm brushwork and empty space. Look up Bian Shoumin (Chinese, 1684–1752).
