Flowers and Birds
Yang Pingzi
Artwork Details
Artwork Description
Title: Flowers and Birds
Artist: Yang Pingzi
Date: n.d.
Medium: Ink and color on paper
Dimensions: 19.7 x 19.7 in (50 x 50 cm)
1. Artwork Identification
Yang Pingzi’s Flowers and Birds is a delicately rendered ink and color painting on paper that blends classical elegance with precise draftsmanship. The central subject—a bouquet of blooming peonies in a transparent glass vase—is painted with meticulous attention to contour and form. A finely detailed butterfly hovers in the upper left, adding grace and subtle movement to the composition. The work is sealed and inscribed by the artist, enhancing its traditional Chinese character.
2. Artistic Style and Influences
Executed in the meticulous gongbi (工笔) style, this work reflects Yang Pingzi’s commitment to refined line work and restrained tonal harmony. The soft pastels and near-translucent textures of the petals and foliage speak to a Qing Dynasty aesthetic, while the glass vase introduces a modern, almost Westernized still life element. The butterfly, rendered with jewel-like intricacy, pays homage to the symbolic interplay between flora and fauna often seen in literati painting.
3. Historical Context
Although undated, the composition synthesizes classical Chinese painting techniques with a contemporary sensitivity to form and presentation. The placement of peonies—long a symbol of wealth and prosperity—within a glass vessel may reflect modern interpretations of timeless cultural motifs. The butterfly’s presence evokes traditional themes of transformation and fleeting beauty, reinforcing the piece’s poetic resonance.
4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.
5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition, showing no signs of foxing, creasing, or fading. The paper remains clean and stable, and the pigments retain their delicacy and clarity. The seals and inscription are crisp and well-preserved. No conservation work is needed.
6. Artistic Significance
Yang Pingzi’s Flowers and Birds stands as a testament to the enduring grace of Chinese gongbi painting. The refined execution and subtle integration of traditional and contemporary visual elements make this piece a compelling addition to any serious collection of Chinese fine art. It offers not only aesthetic pleasure but also deep symbolic value rooted in Chinese cultural history.