inspired by Birds Gather under the Spring Willow by Yin Hong
As you enter the oriental garden, a refreshing burst of lemon greets you, mingling with cistus and sweet raspberries. The garden’s heart reveals the lush scent of plums, intertwined with the timeless elegance of roses, earthy wood, and amber. Wandering further, creamy vanilla and smoky white oud embrace you. Soft musk lingers in the air, while smooth sandalwood weaves through the ambience of this surreal yet harmonious realm.
c.1430–c.1500, hanging scroll, ink and color on silk, painting
The Cleveland Museum of Art., Cleveland, Ohio
The scroll depicts a springtime scene with all kinds of birds, including peacocks and a hen among the peonies. The painting is one of four surviving works by Yin Hong with his signature and seals. It may have been hanging in the palace hall as a part of a set depicting the four seasons.
Yin Hong, a third-generation court painter in the Ming dynasty, was celebrated for his skill in depicting “feathers and fur.” His artworks, gracing imperial palaces, symbolized the court’s grandeur. Reflecting the Chinese ideal of “humanity in harmony with nature,” his paintings used a unique visual language to convey profound meanings.
