Artwork Page for Willow and Magpie

Details / Information for Willow and Magpie

Willow and Magpie

mid-1200s

attributed to Fachang Muqi 法常 牧谿

(Chinese, 1220–1280)
Culture
China, Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279)
Medium
hanging scroll; ink on paper
Measurements
Image: 60.4 x 30.9 cm (23 3/4 x 12 3/16 in.); Overall: 137.2 x 48.3 cm (54 x 19 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1982.53
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
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Did You Know?

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.

Description

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.
A vertically oriented hanging scroll with black ink on mottled brown paper sparsely depicts a magpie perched on a thin branch sweeping toward the lower right. The bird, in profile, faces right with its head tucked down. Loose, dark ink strokes and splatters sweep down from the upper left, suggesting willow branches. The aged surface features circular stains throughout the background, adding texture to the minimalist composition.

Willow and Magpie

mid-1200s

Fachang Muqi

(Chinese, 1220–1280)
China, Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279)

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