Bird on a Pine 

Ding Yanyong's "Bird on a Pine" is a masterful example of Chinese ink and wash painting, also known as *shuimo*. The artist, who was born in 1902 and died in 1978, masterfully utilized a limited palette of black ink and washes to create a sense of depth and texture. The piece depicts a bird perched on a pine branch, symbolizing longevity and resilience. The artist's skillful use of brushstrokes and negative space creates a sense of movement and energy, making the bird seem as if it is about to take flight. The composition, with its emphasis on the vertical lines of the pine and the bird's slender form, evokes a sense of harmony and balance. *Shuimo* is a traditional art form in China, and this piece showcases the artist's mastery of the technique and the expressive power of ink painting.