Flowers and Birds
19th century
Image not available — this artwork is under copyright
View on museum website →Medium
Album of six leaves; ink and color on silk
Dimensions
10 5/8 x 11 7/8 in. (27 x 30.2 cm)
Classification
Paintings
Culture & Period
China · Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Louisa L. McNeary, 1985
Accession Number
1985.131.1a–f
Art Historical Context
Ren Yi, also known as Ren Bonian1840–1896), was a leading figure in the Shanghai School of painting during China's late Qing dynasty (1644–1911). Active in the bustling port city of Shanghai, he bridged traditional Chinese ink painting with emerging Western influences, revitalizing the bird-and-flower genre—a timeless motif symbolizing harmony with nature, seasonal cycles, moral virtues. *Flowers and Birds*, an exquisite album of six leaves from the 19th century, exemplifies his mastery in capturing the lively essence of flora and fauna with vibrant energy. Crafted in ink and color on silk, e...