Accession Number1969/2.167
TitleBird on a Bamboo Branch
Artist(s)Giuseppe CastiglioneArtist NationalityItalian (culture or style)Object Creation Datecirca 1736-1766Medium & Supportink on paperDimensions 9 1/16 in x 24 3/16 in (23.02 cm x 61.44 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mr. Alfred L. AydelottLabel copyLang Shining (Guiseppe Castiglione)
Italian, 1688–1766
Bird on a Bamboo Branch
China, Qing dynasty (1644–1912)
circa 1736–66
Folding fan, ink and color on paper
Gift of Mr. Alfred L. Aydelott, 1969/2.167
Guiseppe Castiglione was a painter from Milan, Italy who traveled to China as a Jesuit missionary in 1715. In Beijing, he became a court painter and served three emperors; he was especially favored by the Qianlong Emperor (r. 1735–1796). The materials used in this fan painting are traditionally Chinese—as required by his royal patrons—but the artist subtly introduces Western elements, such as shading, to give the impression of three-dimensionality. This exquisite fan conveys a wish for good luck in the New Year. The bird and mushroom, which has magical properties, symbolize longevity and prosperity, while the bamboo and narcissus signify the Chinese New Year.
On the reverse of the fan is a poem by the Qianlong Emperor, inscribed by Liu Tongxun (1700–1773). Another poem by the emperor, inscribed by Jin Deying (1701–1762), is on the fan’s wooden blades.
Subject matterThis exquisite fan conveys a wish for good luck in the New Year. The bird and mushroom, which have magical properties, symbolize longevity and prosperity, while the bamboo and narcissus signify the Chinese New Year. On the reverse of the fan is a poem by the Qianlong Emperor, inscribed by Liu Tongxun (1700–1773). Another poem by the emperor, inscribed by Jin Deying (1701–1762), is on the fan’s wooden blades.
Physical DescriptionThe lower section of the fan has rocks and grasses with mushrooms and several daffodils in bloom. A bird white bird with black face and blue head sits on a thin branch that is coming down from the upper left section of the fan.
Primary Object Classification Painting Primary Object Typefolding fanCollection AreaAsianRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.
Keywords
Birds
Plants
bamboo
bamboo (plant)
bird-and-flower paintings
calligraphy
calligraphy (process)
flower (motif)
flowers
great seal script