Lesser bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea minor): 4171.5

Titles

Lesser bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea minor)

Maker(s)

Youqua

Entities

• Drawing

Categories

• Drawing

Description

A watercolour drawing from the album 4171. This image depicts a lesser bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea minor) perched on a branch. The bird exhibits the plumage characteristic of male birds-of-paradise, with a distinctive iridescent green-blue head and throat, warm golden-yellow body coloration transitioning to rich chestnut-brown wings and back. The most remarkable features are the bird's elaborate white flank feathers that cascade in graceful curves and long, wire-like tail streamers that extend dramatically from the body. The bird is positioned on a branch with drooping, needle-like foliage rendered in soft green tones, possibly representing tropical coniferous or fine-leaved vegetation typical of the bird's natural habitat. The painting demonstrates the fine brushwork characteristic of Chinese export art from the late 18th or early 19th century, combining ornithological documentation and traditional Chinese flower-and-bird painting style.

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Given (1909) by Bothamley, Rev. H.

Note

Export album made for the Western market

School or Style

Chinese
Chinese export art
Chinese export watercolour