Flowers and Birds
Li Ming
Artwork Details
Artwork Description
Title: Flowers and Birds
Artist: Li Ming
Date: n.d.
Medium: Ink and color on paper
Dimensions: 23.6 x 18.9 in (60 x 48 cm)
1. Artwork Identification
This delicate ink and color composition by Li Ming, Title:d Flowers and Birds, is executed on paper in a vertical format. The work captures a vibrant natural scene, where blooming lotus blossoms, a perched insect, and a gracefully hovering dragonfly are rendered with elegant spontaneity. Interwoven with calligraphy and artist’s seals, the painting balances poetic brushwork with expressive detail, characteristic of traditional Chinese literati painting.
2. Artistic Style and Influences
Rooted in the tradition of Chinese flower-and-bird painting (花鸟画), this work demonstrates a synthesis of expressive brushstrokes, fluid ink wash, and carefully placed color. Li Ming’s technique reflects influence from Qing Dynasty masters, while also echoing the aesthetics of the Lingnan School with its luminous pigments and dynamic composition. The calligraphic inscription adds a lyrical dimension, reinforcing the unity of image and verse.
3. Historical Context
Although undated, the work reflects the enduring legacy of Chinese bird-and-flower painting, a genre that emerged during the Tang Dynasty and flourished through the Song and Ming periods. This piece participates in that continuum, celebrating seasonal life cycles and the harmony of nature—an enduring theme in Chinese visual culture. The subject matter and brush technique suggest a modern yet tradition-conscious approach, resonant with the 20th-century revival of classical styles.
4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.
5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition, with strong pigment preservation and minimal handling marks. The paper shows no signs of creasing, toning, or discoloration. The seals and inscription remain crisp and legible. No restoration is evident or necessary.
6. Artistic Significance
Flowers and Birds by Li Ming presents a refined meditation on the vitality and fragility of the natural world. Works in this genre continue to resonate with collectors for their symbolic richness and painterly finesse. This piece exemplifies the enduring elegance of ink painting and would make a graceful addition to any connoisseur’s collection of Chinese art.