Pair of Birds on a Pomegranate Branch

The traditional bird-and-flower motif on this fan is symbolically associated with prosperity. Two birds sing in celebration of the pomegranate harvest in a golden autumn. The red pomegranates, with their many seeds, represent fertility. This work was rendered in subtle ink drawing and exquisite colors by Jiang Tingxi, a highranking official of a group of Qing artists referred to as the court orthodox painters.

Jiang passed a high-level civic examination in 1703 and eventually occupied the prestigious position of grand secretary of the central government. He was well known in the court for his plant paintings and calligraphy. Among his flower paintings, those of orchards, bamboo, and fruits were the most appealing to high-society collectors. Jiang produced only a small
number of paintings, but they were skillfully executed.