Mynah and Willow

In the 1980s, Chao Shao-an devoted himself exclusively to flowerand- bird paintings. In this one, the open beak, bent position, and sharp brushstrokes give the bird a fierce and aggressive demeanor. The cross in the composition is simplified into a relaxed, horizontal stroke that makes the black bird stand out. The yellows and delicate lines of the willow tree create an atmosphere of spring.