明 林良 二鷹圖 軸|Two hawks in a thicket

Art Historical Context

**Two Hawks in a Th** by Lin Liang, a mid-15th-century hanging in ink and color on silk exemplifies the Ming dynasty's (1368–1644) artistic legacy. Measuring nearly five feet tall when mounted, this work from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art collection depicts two fierce hawks poised amid tangled branches, their piercing gazes and taut feathers conveying raw power and alertness. Lin Liang, a celebrated professional painter serving the imperial court, mastered the Zhe School style, blending meticulous realism with bold, expressive strokes that brought nature to life. Hawks held deep symbolic weight in Chinese culture, representing vigilance, nobility, and martial prowess—qualities revered by Ming emperors. Lin's technique shines in his layered ink washes for textured foliage and vivid color accents on the birds' plumage, creating depth and dynamism on luxurious silk. This format, designed to be unrolled for contemplative viewing, invited scholars and elites to savor its harmony of wild energy and refined elegance. A gift from the Bei Shan Tang Foundation in 1993, this scroll highlights Lin Liang's enduring influence on bird-and-flower painting, bridging courtly tradition with naturalistic vigor. Visitors will appreciate its timeless call to observe the untamed spirit of the natural world.