The Mountain Thornbird

Ever seen a painting that transcends time despite its age?

Mountain Thornbird, believed to be by Huang Jucai, does just that. Though it's slightly damaged and painted on delicate silk, the work remains strikingly vivid. With visible inscriptions, seals, and even Emperor Huizong of Song's mounting materials, it beautifully captures the birds' natural behavior. Its simplicity and skillful portrayal reflect a broader tradition among painting masters from the 10th to 15th centuries, proving that artistry often lies in the details.

Five Dynasties Period (907-960) Huang Jucai. Colored, silk, hanging scroll. 99cm*53.6cm. Collection of the Taipei Palace Museum.

This piece is compiled from the Chinese edition of Three Thousand Years of Chinese Painting by Foreign Languages Press and Yale University Press, translated by Chen Ying.