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Birds in Autumn
Birds in Autumn

Birds in Autumn

Artist (Chinese, 1905 - 1998)
Date1970
MaterialsInk and colors on paper
DimensionsH. 17 1/2 in x 37 5/8 in, H. 44.5 cm x W. 95.5 cm (image); H. 21 5/8 in x W. 53 3/4 in, H. 54.6 cm x W. 136.5 cm (overall)
Credit LineCollection of Master Chao Shao-An
Object number1992.254
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsPainting
On View
Not on view
InscribedIts hundred-year-old roots are anchored in the ground. Thick shade covers this serene monastery. Dense branches soar toward the sky. Leaves tight like the webbed feet of a waterfowl. —Gengxu year [1970], autumn, ninth month, enjoying a cool, crisp breeze. Chao Shao-An at the Lingnan Art Studio.
More Information

The inscription on this painting refers to gingko trees, which are often grown on the grounds of monasteries in China. The leaves, shaped like the webbed feet of a duck, turn a beautiful yellow in autumn:

Its hundred-year-old roots are anchored in the ground.
Thick shade covers this serene monastery.
Dense branches soar toward the sky.
Leaves tight like the webbed feet of a waterfowl.
—Gengxu year [1970], autumn, ninth month, enjoying a cool,
     crisp breeze. Chao Shao-An at the Lingnan Art Studio.

Bird and Autumn Leaves
Chao Shao-an
1967
Birds in Spring
Chao Shao-an
approx. 1980-1990
A Wily Rabbit in an Autumn Field
Chao Shao-an
approx. 1970-1980
Autumn Nectar
Chao Shao-an
approx. 1905-1992
Autumn Colors
Chao Shao-an
1985
Wasp in Autumn Chill
Chao Shao-an
1981
Autumn Splendor
Chao Shao-an
approx. 1905-1992
Sound of Autumn
Chao Shao-an
approx. 1905-1992
Autumn Glow
Chao Shao-an
1982
Autumn
Chao Shao-an
1987