Artwork Description

Title: Flowers and Birds
Artist: Li Ming
Date: n.d.
Medium: Ink on paper
Dimensions: 37.8 x 18.1 in (96 x 46 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
This monochromatic ink work by Li Ming, Title:d Flowers and Birds, is a masterful vertical composition on paper. The painting features expansive lotus leaves and blossoms rendered in expressive brushwork, creating a lush, semi-abstract environment. Nestled below the foliage is a small bird poised mid-motion, captured with remarkable fluidity and lifelike charm. The artist’s calligraphic inscription and red seals further root the piece within Chinese painting traditions.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Li Ming employs a freehand (写意, xieyi) approach characteristic of the literati painting tradition. The ink wash technique, varying in saturation and gesture, showcases a dynamic interplay between control and spontaneity. The broad, sweeping brushstrokes evoke the expressive ethos of 20th-century Chinese masters, while the subject matter pays homage to classical themes of natural harmony and scholarly contemplation.

3. Historical Context
Though undated, the work reflects a modern interpretation of a deeply rooted genre within Chinese art history. The focus on lotus—symbolizing purity—and the presence of a solitary bird harken back to Song and Ming Dynasty motifs, revitalized during the modern era as artists sought to blend national identity with personal expression. Li Ming’s treatment of these traditional forms suggests a revivalist yet distinctly personal vision.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The work is in very good condition, with no major visible creases, tears, or pigment loss. The paper is well-preserved, and the ink has retained its tonal vibrancy. The lower-right corner shows a faint fold, but this does not detract from the visual impact or structural integrity. No restorations are evident.

6. Artistic Significance
Flowers and Birds is a poignant example of Li Ming’s command of traditional ink idioms infused with personal expression. The atmospheric treatment of flora and the meditative presence of the bird lend the work a contemplative grace. It is a valuable contribution to the continued evolution of Chinese ink painting, making it a refined acquisition for collectors of classical and modern Asian art.