Sparrows on Blossoming Plum

Kano Tan’yū

Cleveland Museum of Art

A scroll painting depicts two small birds on a blossoming tree branch. The painting is in a traditional Japanese or Chinese style, with a beige background and a brown border. The tree branch, which extends from the bottom-right corner, is drawn in shades of brown and black. Two small birds perch on the branch, one on the left side and one on the right. The bird on the left is facing right, while the bird on the right faces left. The background is beige, with a subtle texture. There are several lines of Japanese calligraphy on the right side. The overall composition is simple and elegant, with a focus on the natural beauty of the blossoming tree and the birds. The image exudes a sense of serenity and tranquility.