Soft Green Willows

This painting is infused with an atmospheric quality achieved by the repeated layering of ink and colored washes. Six animated sparrows perch upon a single branch that juts from a group of thick, lush green willows, achieving the look of soft foliage through repeated dabbing of colors. The inscription by the artist reads:

Willow green looks like a carpet of fresh grass.

The chilly morning light awakens the eyes.

 The dust has been washed away by the rain.

Birds chirp on a branch.

—Summer of the Xinhai year [1971], sixth lunar month. Shao-an at the Lingnan Art Studio.