Who created "Broad bean flowers and butterflies"?

Broad bean flowers and butterflies was created by Formerly attributed to Ma Lin (active early to mid-13th century) in 15th century.

When was "Broad bean flowers and butterflies" created?

This artwork was created 15th century.

Is "Broad bean flowers and butterflies" in the public domain?

Yes, Broad bean flowers and butterflies is in the public domain and available for free download under CC0 license.

Broad bean flowers and butterflies

Formerly attributed to Ma Lin (active early to mid-13th century)

15th century

Classification

Painting

Department

Smithsonian Collection

Museum

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Credit

Gift of Charles Lang Freer

Accession Number

F1909.236

Tags

Charles Lang Freer collectionChinaChinese ArtMing dynasty (1368 - 1644)butterflyflower

About this artwork

To 1909

Art Historical Context

This delicate painting, titled *Broad bean flowers and butterflies*, dates to the 15th century during China’s Ming dynasty (1368–1644). Originally attributed to the earlier Song-dynasty master Ma Lin, scholars now recognize it as a later work, reflecting the enduring appeal of Song naturalism long after that era ended. The composition centers on flowering broad beans accompanied by fluttering butterflies, motifs that celebrate the beauty and seasonal rhythms of the natural world. In Ming China, such flower-and-insect subjects carried layered cultural meanings. Butterflies often symbolized tra...

Broad bean flowers and butterflies

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