Leng Mei * Chinese artists of the Middle Ages

Here we see a vertical composition depicting two rabbits within a stylized natural setting. The palette is dominated by warm earth tones – ochre, beige, and muted greens – lending a sense of tranquility and age to the work. The background consists of a simplified landscape: a gnarled tree trunk on the left, a low fence or wall in the middle ground, and foliage overhead. Small white flowers dot the foreground and around the base of the tree, adding delicate detail.
The rabbits themselves are rendered with a focus on form rather than precise realism. Their fur is suggested through subtle brushstrokes, emphasizing their rounded shapes and soft appearance. One rabbit sits upright, alert, while the other appears to be in motion, perhaps hopping or about to do so. This creates a slight dynamism within the otherwise static scene. The placement of the rabbits – one closer to the viewer than the other – contributes to this sense of movement and depth.
The composition’s simplicity and the limited color range evoke a feeling of restraint characteristic of certain East Asian artistic traditions. The deliberate sparseness of detail encourages contemplation, inviting the viewer to focus on the essence of the subject matter rather than being overwhelmed by visual complexity.
Subtextually, the rabbits could be interpreted as symbols of peace, gentleness, or even fertility – common associations within cultural contexts where these animals hold significance. Their presence in a natural setting suggests harmony and balance between humanity and nature. The overall effect is one of quiet observation and appreciation for the simple beauty of the world. The composition’s verticality reinforces this sense of serenity and upward aspiration.