Lv Ji’s picture axis of pomegranate, sunflower and chicken

[Lv Ji’s picture axis of pomegranate sunflower chicken]

The picture axis of pomegranate sunflower chicken, Ming Dynasty, Lv Ji’s picture, silk version, color setting. 200.8 cm vertically and 105.5 cm horizontally
This painting recognizes “Lv Ji” by itself, and then bears the seal of “Four Ming Lu Ting Zhen” and Zhu Fang. There is the title of “Mengou Garden Collection” on the outside
In late autumn, the pomegranate trees are full of fruits, attracting birds of all colors to gather in front of them. The ribbon birds perched on the branches and sang merrily. Under the tree, there are clumps of okra and chrysanthemums in various colors. The male chicken looks forward and the female chicken crawls among the flowers
The whole painting shows the characteristics of “courtyard style” painting, which is neat and beautiful, and a little free and easy of freehand brushwork. The chicken is painted with a combination of hook and writing. First, it outlines the external outline with extremely light ink lines, and then it is painted with various light colors. The tail feathers of the rooster are written with a water-filled ink brush and a light juicy green, which is very textured. The paws are marked with clam white, which is meticulous and realistic. The composition of the picture is complex but not congested, and the color is particularly particular. The light green on the lake stone and the flower leaves and the dark ochre red on the rooster are indistinctly visible, which set off each other, making the color of the whole picture not only rich, but also harmonious and unified. The overall style is both work and writing, and the color is gorgeous but not vulgar, which not only maintains the noble royal style, but also has the taste of free and easy pen and ink
The theme of the combination of the ribbon bird and the rooster also endows the painting with the meaning of auspiciousness, wealth and honor. It is a good blessing for the three princes and the promotion of the rank.