Bird and Flowers

Zhu Kerou, whose birth and death dates are unknown, went by the name Gang and was a native of what is modern-day Songjiang in Shanghai. She learned the art of weaving silk tapestry in childhood and amassed a wealth of experience on how to combine different colored threads and do needlework, becoming a famous tapestry artist of the Southern Song period (1127–1279).

Woven against the light brown background of this work is a peony branch with blossoms or in bud. A magpie sitting on the branch has spotted and gazes at a small insect on the edge of a leaf. The bird appears as if it will take flight any second and pounce upon the insect. This scene of beauty but also a moment of tension in the natural world has been skillfully rendered via delicate needlework into a tight-knit scene. The strands are also even, enhancing the volume and giving the motifs a glossy effect.

Beautiful, isn't it? And created by woman artist in the 12th or 13th century, amazing!!

P.S. Did you know that flowers can carry a secret message? Read more about the Language of the Flowers here.