The Song Dynasty meticulous flower-and-bird painting "Hibiscus and Golden Pheasant"

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Description

"Hibiscus and Golden Pheasant" is a meticulous double-outline, richly colored bird-and-flower painting on silk, created by Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji) of the Northern Song Dynasty. It is now housed in the Palace Museum in Beijing.

The artwork depicts a hibiscus, a golden pheasant, butterflies, and chrysanthemums. A hibiscus branch extends from the left side of the painting, with a golden pheasant perched upon it. In the upper right corner, two vividly colored butterflies chase each other in playful flight, while a cluster of autumn chrysanthemums sways gracefully in the breeze at the lower left. The composition is well-balanced, with a harmonious interplay of density and spacing, exuding vibrant vitality amid the autumn scenery. The painting conveys a sense of serenity and joy, embodying an idealized natural harmony.