Bird and Flower c. 18th century

Zhang Yu created this scroll painting, Bird and Flower, using ink on paper during the 18th century. The immediate impression is one of understated elegance, achieved through a delicate interplay of light and shadow, a composition of floral forms layered over thin stalks of reed. Yu's work exemplifies the literati painting style, emphasizing personal expression over strict representation. The composition uses asymmetry and negative space to suggest depth, echoing the Daoist principles of balance. Yu uses gradations of ink to articulate a sense of volume and texture, creating a visual harmony that invites contemplation. Observe how the textures contrast—the broad, dark leaves against the fine, wispy reeds. This intentional contrast in texture and form encapsulates the essence of literati painting, prioritizing self-expression and philosophical reflection.