Artwork

明十竹齋書畫譜四開|Leaf from the Ten Bamboo Studio Manual of Painting and Calligraphy

明十竹齋書畫譜四開|Leaf from the Ten Bamboo Studio Manual of Painting and Calligraphy is an ink print by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1633 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This work is a single leaf from the printed volume known as the Ten Bamboo Studio Manual of Painting and Calligraphy.

About this work

Overview

This work is a single leaf from the printed volume known as the Ten Bamboo Studio Manual of Painting and Calligraphy. Executed with ink and color on paper, it belongs to the category of prints and measures a modest size typical of hand‑bound manuals.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a small bird perched on a slender branch, accompanied by delicate blossoms whose petals are rendered in pale pink and blue tones. A few scattered leaves and a faint suggestion of snow or mist create a tranquil atmosphere, emphasizing the quiet observation of nature.

Technique & Style

The composition relies on restrained line work and a limited palette, allowing the forms to remain clear and balanced. The artist employs light washes of color to suggest the softness of the flowers and the subtle shading of the bird’s white and gray plumage, while the background is left largely empty to focus attention on the central motif.

History & Provenance

Printed as part of the Ten Bamboo Studio Manual, the leaf reflects the instructional purpose of the series, which circulated among practitioners of Chinese painting and calligraphy. The red seal in the lower corner likely identifies the printer or workshop, though the characters are difficult to discern.