| 内容简介（英文） | The Emperor Hsuan-tsung, whose personal name was Chu Chan-chi, was the eldest son of the Ming Emperor Jen-tsung. In 1426, when the prince succeeded to the throne, he assumed the temple title Hsuan-tsung, proclaiming his reign to be Hsuan-te. In his spare time away from the heavy burden of imperial duties, Hsuan-tsung paid careful attention to the cultivation of literary talents and painting, and under his leadership, imperial painting attained new heights. Among the works by Hsuan-tsung which remain, many are renditions of flowers, birds and animals, and he excelled in whatever genres he set his heart to. In the upper right hand corner of this composition is the Hsuan-te seal and signature dated 1428. Portrayed is a pair of gray starlings perched on a branch, a spray of bamboo leaves beneath them. The abbreviated brushwork is sketchy and simple, but the depiction is brimming with character and animation. The technical skillfulness in this painting drawn from life can vie with that of Emperor Hui-tsung of the Northern Sung Dynasty. |
