Cleveland Museum of Art
Willow and Magpie
Fachang Muqi
- Date
- mid-1200s
- Medium
- hanging scroll; ink on paper
- Culture
- China, Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279)
- Department
- Chinese Art
- Institution
- Cleveland Museum of Art
The Willow and Magpie is the product of a mindset that combines knowledgeable observation of birds in general and magpies in particular with an image-making process using a sophisticated ink technique to suggest the nature of the bird, the general characteristics of willow, and the visual effect of rain and mist. These are not trivial accomplishments but of equal importance with Southern Song period achievements in lyrical poetry or canal building. This precious hanging scroll is stored in an elaborate inner box of lacquer with raised gold lacquer inscription on lid and silver loops on sides with lavish woven orange cords; its outer box has an amber color with woven tie.
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