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A Pair of Swallows over Peach Blossoms
A Pair of Swallows over Peach Blossoms

A Pair of Swallows over Peach Blossoms

Artist (Chinese, 1483-1544)
Date1483-1544
DynastyMing dynasty (1368-1644)
MaterialsInk and colors on gold-flecked paper
DimensionsH. 7 1/4 in x W. 20 1/8 in, H. 18.4 cm x W. 51.2 cm (image); H. 13 1/4 in x W. 24 in, H. 33.7 cm x W. 61 cm (overall)
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Object numberB79D16
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsPainting
On View
Not on view
SignedArtist signature 1：Daofu 道復。 Seal: Seal of Chen Chun 陳淳之印(白文方印)。 Artist signature 2: Wang Fenegyuan from Jishan 吉山王逢元。 Seal: Jishan ren 吉山人(白文方印)。
Inscribed山桃毓花紅照溪，上有嬌鶯恰恰啼，幽人長日無聊到，白首看他還扶藜。
More Information
A well-known sign of springtime, swallows are traditionally viewed as birds of diligence and happiness in Chinese culture. Their arrival is considered a harbinger of the coming of prosperous times. They are often paired with red peach blossoms—another sign of spring—to signify the lasting prosperity and good fortune at the start of a happy new year. Like three other works in this case, this folding fan painting was later mounted as an album leaf for better display and preservation.