Who painted Bird on a Flowering Branch?

Bird on a Flowering Branch was painted by Unknown in 1104.

Where can I see Bird on a Flowering Branch?

Bird on a Flowering Branch is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Bird on a Flowering Branch?

Bird on a Flowering Branch is associated with Song dynasty painting.

Artwork

Bird on a Flowering Branch

Unknown , 1104

Bird on a Flowering Branch is an unspecified painting by the Song dynasty painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1104 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1985.371
Credit line: The Kelvin Smith Collection, given by Mrs. Kelvin Smith

About this work

This painting comes from China’s Southern Song dynasty, when artists worked for the imperial court.

A small bird perches on a thin branch covered in tiny white flowers. The bird’s red and black feathers stand out against the pale petals and soft gray background.

This painting comes from China’s Southern Song dynasty, when artists worked for the imperial court. They paid close attention to nature, showing every detail of the bird and blossoms. The work was likely part of a larger album, meant to be held and studied closely.

To see more art like this, look up Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279).

Overview

Bird on a Flowering Branch is a small painting depicting a bird perched on a flowering branch. It is characteristic of the naturalistic style associated with the Southern Song dynasty in China.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows a male redstart on a plum tree branch, its red and black feathers contrasting with the white flowers and gray background. The scene likely represents early spring, capturing the bird's occasional presence in southeastern China during mild winters.

Technique & Style

The work is notable for its fine detail and naturalistic rendering, particularly in the bird's plumage and the blossoms. This attention to detail is typical of Southern Song court painting, where artists closely observed and depicted the natural world.

History & Provenance

Originally part of an album, the painting was later mounted as a hanging scroll in Japan, likely for display in a tea ceremony setting. Its transformation reflects the different ways the work was appreciated in various cultural contexts.