A Hundred Sparrows in a Lofty Grove
1368–1644
handscroll; ink on silk
SEE IT IN PERSON
Not currently on view
In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland · as of July 2026
Discussion
FROM THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART’S CATALOG
Sparrows engaged in all kinds of activities frolic amid leafy branches, blades of grass, rocks, and a waterfall. As our eyes move over the scroll, the artist engages us in enjoying the sparrows’ carefree movements in a natural setting. The charming birds were painted from close observation in swift and fluent brushstrokes. Sparrows are a common bird and in Chinese painting they often represent the commoner in human society as opposed to the noble pheasant or peacock representative of the ruling class.
Be the first to share your thoughts.
Sign in to join the discussion.
More by Lin Liang
More like this
Li Sheng (Chinese, active c. 1324–after 1375) — Buddha's Con
Gu Tianzhi (Chinese, active mid-1600s) — Landscape in the St
Landscape, The Palace of the Clouds
Tao Cheng (Chinese, active c. 1471–after 1502) — Chrysanthem
Wang Hui (Chinese, 1632–1717) — Hall of Lofty Pines
Zou Zhe (Chinese, c. 1610-before 1688) — Autumn Mist in the 
Tang Yin (Chinese, 1470–1523) — Scholar-Hermits in the Autum
Wang Yuan (Chinese, c. 1299-after 1366) — Quails and Sparrow
Li Di|Unidentified artist — 南宋 傳李迪 幽禽寒林圖 冊頁|Two Bir
Du Qiong (Chinese, 1396–1474) — Mt. Taibo in the Style of Wa
Landscape
Nagasawa Rosetsu (Japanese, 1754–1799) — Puppies, Sparrows,