Birds and flowers

This screen depicts a naturalistic scene of birds, flowers, and rocks. The blossoming peach, crabapple, and peony branches spread across the picture plane are accented by the mynah birds perching on the branches and the paradise flycatchers on the rocks. The artist took liberty in the depiction of the feathers, making them more colorful than those of the actual birds. The rocks, painted bright green, anchor the scene.
The combination of crabapple, peony, and peach blossoms embodies wealth and honor, while the longtailed flycatchers are a symbol of longevity. A screen such as this was used not only as an interior decoration but also—according to traditional beliefs— to bring honor and wealth to the family whose home it graced.