Purple Jade and Double Ribbon (紫玉雙綬)

This painting is titled “Purple Jade and Double Ribbon” and was created by the artist Gao Ke. The artwork depicts a flourishing cascade of wisteria flowers hanging gracefully amid lush green leaves, with two long-tailed ribbon birds perched quietly on the branches, exuding a serene and peaceful demeanor. The composition adopts a vertical format, extending from top to bottom, allowing the wisteria vines to naturally drape, forming a graceful rhythm and flow. The wisteria flowers are rendered with delicate layers of pale purple and ink lines, expressing the blossoms’ translucence and softness; the green leaves are intricately dotted with fine details, and the inked branches twist and curl, creating a harmonious contrast between vigor and gentleness. The two birds, one black and one red, show distinct feather layers, appearing lively and agile. The overall mood of the painting is elegant and refined, symbolizing auspicious meanings—“Purple Jade” represents nobility and purity, while “Double Ribbon” implies dual honor and prosperity. The entire piece combines the meticulous detail of gongbi technique with the spirited essence of freehand style, showcasing Gao Ke’s profound mastery of traditional bird-and-flower painting and his integration of modern aesthetics. It is a work full of charm and freshness, exemplary in both style and spirit.