Two Birds on a Flowering Prunus Branch
Object Label
Chen Shu was a female artist who mastered a variety of subjects through the traditional approach of copying historic masterpieces. The inscription on this bird-and-flower painting identifies it as a copy of an original by Huang Jucai (933–993 or later), a distinguished Song dynasty court painter. Chen received prominent social status when her son, Qian Chenqun (1686–1774), served as a high official specializing in poetry for the Qianlong emperor (ruled 1735–1796). The imperial family adored Chen's elegant paintings, and her works were widely collected in the court.
Caption
Chen Shu (Chinese, 1660–1736). Two Birds on a Flowering Prunus Branch, 1706. Ink and color on silk, With mount: 63 1/2 x 20 in. (161.3 x 50.8 cm) Image: 24 3/4 x 15 in. (62.9 x 38.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Dr. Ralph C. Marcove, 81.194.2.
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Artist
Title
Two Birds on a Flowering Prunus Branch
Date
1706
Dynasty
Qing Dynasty
Period
Kangxi Period
Geography
Place made: China
Medium
Ink and color on silk
Classification
Dimensions
With mount: 63 1/2 x 20 in. (161.3 x 50.8 cm) Image: 24 3/4 x 15 in. (62.9 x 38.1 cm)
Inscriptions
Inscription on lower right: "Kangxi bingxu lin Huang Juzhai zhenji Chen shu" (Kangxi era, year of bingxu, after Huang Juzhai's genuine work, by Chen.)
Markings
Seals on lower right: Pair of square, intaglio seals: Chen Shi Qian Shu One square, relief seal: Shangyuan dizi
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. Ralph C. Marcove
Accession Number
81.194.2
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