Crowing Rooster and Green Prunus

Plum blossoms sometimes play a supporting role in compositions focused on birds such as the rooster or crane. This painting by Chen Dayu is an example, in which plum branches are placed around the large rooster occupying most of the picture. An image of a squawking rooster is traditionally considered a sign of celebration and good luck. Here, its upturned head is vividly rendered with a few strokes and brilliant red color, drawing attention to its posture and open beak. Surrounding the rooster are viridian-dyed plums, outlined in ink, to emphasize the bird’s form and add impact to the picture.

Chen started his career as an apprentice to his first art instructor, Qi Baishi (1863–1957), who had a nationwide reputation as a painter of flower-and-bird pictures with graceful lines. However, Chen’s rooster bears no resemblance to Qi’s work; his bird, rendered in thick, loose brushstrokes, is characteristic of his unique style. Celebrated for his rooster paintings, Chen eventually succeeded as a lecturer at the Nanjing Institute of Art.