Bird and Flower c. 18th century

Zhang Yu's "Bird and Flower," made with ink on paper, invites a contemplative experience through its delicate rendering of natural forms. The composition is structured vertically, guiding the eye from the dense foliage at the base to the sparser, calligraphic inscriptions at the top. The ink is applied in varying densities. Darker, bolder strokes define the leaves, creating a strong contrast against the pale wash of the background, suggesting depth and volume. The gradations of tone create a sense of movement and fluidity, as if capturing the ephemeral qualities of the natural world. Yu’s use of negative space is critical, allowing the unpainted areas to interact with the inked forms, evoking a sense of restrained energy. The act of inscription, integral to the visual language, adds another layer of meaning by merging the visual with the textual. The emphasis on empty space and the suggestion of forms rather than literal representation destabilizes traditional notions of depiction. "Bird and Flower" functions as a visual poem, asking us to look beyond the surface and contemplate the delicate balance between presence and absence, form and void.