Black Birds
Xugu
Qing dynasty (1644–1911), 1893
Medium
Hanging scroll; ink and colors on paper
Dimensions
147.3 × 78.1 cm (58 × 30 3/4 in.)
Classification
hanging scroll
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
46401
About the Artist
Xugu · 1824–1896
Xugu (1824–1896) was one of the most celebrated Chinese painters of the late Qing dynasty, renowned for his lyrical, highly individualistic approach to flower and plant painting that set him apart from both the orthodox academic tradition and the more popular Shanghai commercial style. Born Zhu Huairen in Anhui province, he took monastic vows and became a Buddhist monk, adopting the religious name...