Mynah Bird on Plum Branch 1736 - 1795

Saien Hōsai, who was active during the Qing dynasty, made this hanging scroll of ink on paper, depicting a mynah bird perched on a plum branch. In Qing China, the art world was shaped by a complex interplay of imperial patronage, the literati tradition, and emerging commercial forces. The court, particularly under emperors like Qianlong, was a major source of artistic commissions, influencing artistic styles and themes. Literati artists, often scholars and officials, maintained a tradition of personal expression and cultural commentary, frequently incorporating symbolism and historical references into their work. At the same time, the rise of a wealthy merchant class created a demand for art that was decorative and auspicious. Paintings of birds and flowers had become popular during the Ming dynasty and continued to be so during the Qing. To fully understand this artwork we would need to look at what type of art was being commissioned by the court and by the scholar-officials who were part of the literati tradition. We could also examine commercial art produced for wealthy merchants. This research would help us understand how Hōsai positioned himself in relation to these different forces.