Flowering Crabapple and Pair of Birds 1744

Shen Quan's *Flowering Crabapple and Pair of Birds* (1744), a hanging scroll housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, depicts a delicate crabapple tree laden with blossoms. Two birds perch on the branches, their presence adding a touch of liveliness to the scene. This is a typical example of *xieyi*, a style of Chinese painting that emphasizes free brushwork and expressive lines. The painting is notable for its meticulous detail and subtle color variations, capturing the beauty of the natural world in a harmonious and elegant manner.