Bulbuls Amidst Crabapple Blossoms

Bulbuls Amidst Crabapple Blossoms, a Qing dynasty bird-and-flower painting by Yu Zhi, court painter to the Qianlong Emperor.

Giclée print on archival German rice paper, framed by hand in New York or unframed.

About the Painting
Crabapple blossoms crowd the branches, deep rose buds opening to pale pink and white. Two bulbuls, olive-green with black-and-white masked heads, face each other across the branches: one perches high on a slender twig and looks down, while the other, below, sings upward with its beak open. Yu Zhi draws every petal and feather in fine, precise lines against a plain, warm ground. The painting is signed Chen Yu Zhi gong hua (臣余穉恭畫), “your servant Yu Zhi respectfully painted this”, above two red seals. 

Meaning
In Chinese, the bulbul is baitouweng (白頭翁), literally “white-headed old man”, for the white markings on its head. The name echoes bai tou xie lao (白頭偕老), “to grow old together”, a traditional wish for a lasting marriage. Crabapple (haitang, 海棠) is a classic flower of late spring in Chinese painting and poetry, prized for its delicate rosy colour. Together they make a painting of devotion and a long, harmonious life.

Where It Lives
Suited to a bedroom, dining room, or entryway, where its soft palette and paired birds bring a quiet note of spring. A fitting gift for a wedding, engagement, or anniversary. Pairs well with Peach Blossoms and Yellow Sparrows from the same collection.

About the Artist
Yu Zhi, born in Changshu, Jiangsu, in the 18th century, served as a court painter under the Qianlong Emperor. His academic style draws on flowers, birds, fish, and insects from nature, painted with fine detail and graceful movement.