A Hundred Birds and the Three Friends

Magpies perch on bamboo and plum branches while dozens of small sparrows scatter across the trees, rocks and ground. Ink and color on brownish silk show fine brushwork in the feathers, leaves and blossoms, with a single magpie standing at lower right.

Look closer: A red seal mark sits at the upper right edge of the scroll, near the top of the painting.

Artist

Bian Wenjin

Date

1400–1425

Medium

hanging scroll; ink and color on silk

Source

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Size

2089 × 3400 px

Credit (appreciated, not required for public-domain works): The Cleveland Museum of Art, Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund