Peony and Silver Pheasant  (Chinese Painting) LV Ji (Ming Dynasty)

　　As a representative figure of academy-oriented flower and bird painting in Ming Dynasty, LV Ji’s Peony and Silver Pheasant portrays several branches with white peach blossoms, three birds perching on the branches tweeting with much vitality, white and red peonies growing from lake stones. A silver pheasant standing on the lake surface centers the frame, with eyes wide open overlooking pheasant birds. Its tail feathers are much beautiful and graceful under the peony. The entire painting creates a happy and auspicious atmosphere, reflecting a typical royal aesthetic taste.