pic01465 Yongjun Chen

The presented work comprises a set of four vertical panels, likely intended for display as a hanging scroll or screen. Each panel features a distinct botanical and avian composition rendered in a delicate style characterized by subtle color washes and precise linework. The overall aesthetic suggests an East Asian artistic tradition, possibly Chinese or Japanese.
In the leftmost panel, a bird – likely a sparrow or finch – is depicted perched on a branch of what appears to be a plum tree. Below this, a cluster of pink peonies bloom amidst foliage. The composition is framed by calligraphic script running vertically along the left edge.
The second panel showcases a lotus flower in full bloom, its petals rendered with a luminous quality that suggests both fragility and resilience. A small blue butterfly hovers near the base of the plant, adding a sense of movement and lightness to the scene. Again, vertical calligraphy is present on the left side.
The third panel presents a more complex arrangement. Here we see a large chrysanthemum in autumnal hues dominating the upper portion of the composition. Beneath it, smaller blooms – possibly asters or other late-season flowers – are clustered together. A butterfly with orange and black markings flits about these blossoms. Calligraphy is once again integrated into the left margin.
The final panel focuses on flowering branches, featuring a combination of pink blossoms and what appear to be peach or apricot fruits. The arrangement conveys a sense of abundance and vitality. As in the other panels, vertical calligraphy occupies the left edge.
Subtly, each panel seems to explore themes of natures cycles – from the budding plum tree to the blooming lotus and the late-season chrysanthemums. The inclusion of birds and butterflies introduces elements of freedom and transience. The calligraphic inscriptions likely contain poetic verses or philosophical reflections related to the depicted subjects, adding layers of meaning beyond the purely visual. The consistent vertical format and shared aesthetic suggest a unified artistic vision across all four panels, intended to be appreciated as a cohesive whole rather than individual pieces.