A Pair of Swallows over Peach Blossoms

A well-known sign of springtime, swallows are traditionally viewed as birds of diligence and happiness in Chinese culture. Their arrival is considered a harbinger of the coming of prosperous times. They are often paired with red peach blossoms—another sign of spring—to signify the lasting prosperity and good fortune at the start of a happy new year. Like three other works in this case, this folding fan painting was later mounted as an album leaf for better display and preservation.