Who painted Flower Basket?

Flower Basket was painted by Li Song in 1150.

Where can I see Flower Basket?

Flower Basket is held by National Palace Museum.

What movement is Flower Basket?

Flower Basket is associated with Song Landscape.

Artwork

Flower Basket

Li Song , 1150

Flower Basket is an unspecified painting by the Song Landscape artist Li Song. It dates from 1150 and is held in the collection of the National Palace Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1150 by the Song‑dynasty painter Li Song, this silk painting depicts a woven basket brimming with blossoms. The work is part of the collection of the National Palace Museum, where it is displayed as an example of court‑era decorative art.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a light‑coloured wicker basket whose curved handle arches over a profusion of flowers and foliage. Red, white and purple blossoms intermingle with deep‑green leaves, suggesting a celebration of seasonal abundance and the refined aesthetic of domestic interiors.

Technique & Style

Executed on silk, the piece employs fine brushwork to render individual petals, stamen and leaf veins with precision. A muted, light‑brown background provides a subtle contrast, allowing the vivid hues of the flora to stand out while maintaining the overall harmony characteristic of Song‑period painting.

History & Provenance

Attributed to Li Song, a court painter active in the mid‑12th century, the work has been preserved in the National Palace Museum’s holdings. Its survival offers insight into the materials and decorative motifs favored by elite patrons during the Southern Song era.