A Sketch of Rare Birds

Book excerpt: Handscroll; Ink and wash on paper; 404cm(width)*22cm(height) Emperor Huizong was a model bird and flower painter, his strokes simple yet elegant. Whether birds or flowers, his subjects are alike not only in appearance, but also spirit. "A good resemblance in appearance requires the artist to retain the spirit of the subject, and a good resemblance in spirit requires the artist to reflect on the nature of the subject." By presenting his subjects' precise form and lively spirit Zhao Ji strove to produce sketches that are true to life and to develop resemblance in spirit through resemblance in form. In his paintings, birds are outlined with light ink, then dark ink is used to add detail to the feathers on the head and tail. By painting in multiple layers, the fluffiness, thickness, and gorgeous colors of the bird's feathers are displayed. Similar techniques are applied in painting leaves to produce a lifelike, vivid effect.