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『鳥合』　桜草に雲雀|Skylarks and Primroses,” from the Series An Array of Birds (Tori awase), from Spring Rain Surimono Album (Harusame surimono-jō, vol. 3)

Kubo Shunman

1808

ink

paper

From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art

Romanticism Early 19th Century Bird Flower Leaf

Dominant colour

『鳥合』　桜草に雲雀|Skylarks and Primroses,” from the Series An Array of Birds (Tori awase), from Spring Rain Surimono Album (Harusame surimono-jō, vol. 3) is a 1808 ink by Kubo Shunman, a Romanticism work, depicting Bird, held at Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Kubo Shunman
When & what style?: 1808 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: Metropolitan Museum of Art

About this work

This print shows two small birds perched on a branch, their feathers striped in soft yellow and brown. Behind them, bright orange flowers with green centers grow from a leafy plant. The background is mostly empty, with just a few scattered leaves and stems. Japanese writing wraps around the edges, like a poem or notes. The artist used simple lines and flat colors to keep the focus on the birds and flowers. The birds look almost real, but the flowers have a gentle, dreamy quality. Look up cross-hatching next to see how artists build shading with lines.