Paired Birds and Flowers c. early 20th century

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tempera, painting, watercolor, wood

water colours

tempera

painting

asian-art

landscape

watercolor

wood

watercolor

This is a folding screen decorated with birds and flowers, ink and color on paper, by an anonymous artist. We can consider this work as an expression of cultural values and societal ideals regarding gender and relationships. In many Asian cultures, paired birds and flowers aren't just pretty pictures, they are rich in symbolism. Birds often represent masculinity, freedom, and ambition, while flowers are associated with femininity, beauty, and grace. Here, the artist juxtaposes these symbols to suggest harmony. What does it mean when these elements come together? It may speak to the Confucian ideals of balance and complementarity between men and women within the family and society. More broadly, the screen reflects a longing for harmony and beauty in the world, a sentiment that transcends cultural boundaries. It acts as a reminder of the emotional and relational ties that bind us, reflecting on the nature of human connections.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart over 1 year ago

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This charming screen illustrates paired birds amid flowering plants. The birds represent marital happiness and fidelity, while the flowers create a garden paradise. Such screens were commonly used to decorate the women's quarters within traditional Korean households. Families of humble means would hire itinerant painters to render colorful, naive scenes such as those shown here, whereas wealthy families might employ professional painters whose style was more precise and finished.