Birds Gather under the Spring Willowlate 1400s–early 1500 · Study 1974.31

Context from the museum

This scroll depicts a spring scene with all kinds of birds, including one peacock with a hen among peonies. The painting is one of four surviving works by Yin Hong bearing his signature and seals. Some scholars debate whether this work depicts the theme “One Hundred Birds admiring the Phoenix,” a metaphor for human society presenting an idealized hierarchy under imperial rule; other scholars argue that peafowls, as exotic birds not native to China, would not be depicted to represent the emperor. This large painting might have been hung in a palace hall and may have been part of a set depicting the four seasons.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

A detail to notice

The peahen is plucking a dandelion.

Observation supplied by the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected painting measurement for Birds Gather under the Spring Willow is 195.5 cm wide and 240 cm high, equivalent to approximately 77.0 × 94.5 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.81:1. The rectangular bounding area is 4.69 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 65.2% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 52.3 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With Birds Gather under the Spring Willow in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, hanging scroll, ink and color on silk, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 195.5 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?