Step 6 of 10

Foliage And Fowls

Related Images

  • Fig. 1. Embroidered Cloth with Birds and Flowers, Tang Dynasty, ca. 9th – 10th century, Gansu, China. From the collection of the British Museum. Accession Number: MAS.857. [British Museum](https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_MAS-857)
  • Fig. 2. Wagtail and Lotus. Woodblock print by the Japanese artist Ohara Koson, produced between 1930 and 1939, Japan. From the collection of the Brooklyn Museum in New York. Accession Number: 77.264.4. [Brooklyn Museum New York](https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/103905)

When we look at the other patterns among the embroidery, we find yet another clear indicator of Chinese influence. The motif on the top of the toe box mostly consists of flowers and winding vines. But if we look carefully, we find two bird-like figures amongst the trailing plants embroidered into the fabric. This instantly recognizable combination of flowers and birds is a recurring subject in Chinese visual culture. The flower-and-bird painting style (花鸟画) came to maturity during the Song dynastyThe Song dynasty started in 960 and lasted until 1279, and quickly found its way into embroidered works and brocade as well. (p. 13 folk embroideryWang Yarong. Chinese Folk Embroidery (London: Thames and Hudson, 1987), 13..

The motif became very popular in Japan during the Muromachi periodThe Muromachi period started in 1336 and lasted until 1573and later became a popular subject in woodblock printing, experiencing a revival during the 19th and 20th century.