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Birds and Pine Tree

Japanese

Artwork Details

Birds and Pine Tree
late 19th century
Japanese
hanging scroll, ink and color on silk
50 x 16 11/16 in. (128.27 x 42.39 cm);4 ft. 10 1/2 in. x 24 in. x 1 3/8 in. (148.59 x 60.96 x 3.49 cm)
Gift of Jerry M. Gray, MD
1997/2.12

Description

Subject Matter:

The two birds appear to be Japanese magpies and the tree they sit in is a Japanese black pine tree. The birds and the tree both symbolize good fortune. The tree also has a meaning of longevity as well. This painting appears to serve to be a good omen for the owner and could have been used as a decoration for a home.

Physical Description:

Two birds sit on a Japanese pine tree. Located in the upper third of the scroll, one bird has its beak open while one is leaning down with its mouth closed. Painted on silk, the birds have blue, black, white, and yellow colors. Their bellies are white, their heads are blue, and their eyes are yellow. The pine trees are painted with black ink with small green accents peppering the scroll.

Usage Rights:

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