Who painted Bamboo and Shrike?

Bamboo and Shrike was painted by Li Anzhong in 1150.

Where can I see Bamboo and Shrike?

Bamboo and Shrike is held by National Palace Museum.

What movement is Bamboo and Shrike?

Bamboo and Shrike is associated with Song dynasty painting.

Can I buy a print of Bamboo and Shrike?

Museum-quality prints of Bamboo and Shrike are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Bamboo and Shrike

Li Anzhong , 1150

Bamboo and Shrike is an unspecified painting by the Song dynasty painting artist Li Anzhong. It dates from 1150 and is held in the collection of the National Palace Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1150, this hanging scroll by Li Anzhong portrays a solitary bird perched on a thin bamboo shoot. Rendered in muted tones, the composition is set against a plain background that emphasizes the delicate interplay of foliage and feather. The work is part of the collection of the National Palace Museum, where it is displayed as an example of Song‑period ink painting.

Subject & Meaning

The image combines two traditional motifs: bamboo, a symbol of resilience and integrity, and a shrike, a bird associated with vigilance. By placing the bird on a slender branch, the painting suggests a harmonious relationship between creature and plant, inviting contemplation of natural balance and the quiet dignity of solitary observation.

Technique & Style

Li employs monochrome ink washes to model the bird’s plumage, using subtle gradations of gray and white to convey volume and the characteristic black stripe above the eye. The bamboo stalk and leaves are rendered with fine, varied brushstrokes that suggest texture while maintaining a restrained, elegant simplicity characteristic of Song dynasty literati aesthetics.

History & Provenance

The scroll has remained in imperial collections since its creation, eventually entering the National Palace Museum’s holdings after the 20th‑century relocation of Chinese artworks. Its attribution to Li Anzhong is based on stylistic analysis and historical records linking the artist to courtly painting workshops of the late Northern Song period.