This video explores bird-and-flower genre paintings in the history of Chinese art through an analysis of an ink painting titled Finches and Bamboo by Song dynasty emperor Huizong. We explain what constitutes a bird-and-flower painting (hint: it’s more than just birds and flowers!) and show its transmission to Japan and Korea.

Speaker: Dr. Cortney Chaffin Kim

CHAPTERS

0:00 Introduction to Emperor Huizong’s Finches and Bamboo

0:32 What is a bird-and-flower genre painting?

1:23 Emperor Huizong and the Three Perfections

2:15 Huizong’s literal approach to flora and fauna

Learn more

• Check out our entire glossary of art history! https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history