482 - A CHINESE FLOWER AND BIRD HANGING SCROLL WITH PEONIES AND QUAILS

A CHINESE FLOWER AND BIRD HANGING SCROLL WITH PEONIES AND QUAILS A Chinese Qing-dynasty flower-and-bird hanging scroll depicting peonies in luxuriant bloom above a pair of quails moving among grasses and smaller flowers. Graceful branches extend diagonally through the composition, their blossoms painted in delicate coral, cream and yellow tones against the open silk ground. Butterflies and finely rendered foliage enliven the scene, while the airy arrangement gives the painting a distinguished sense of balance. In Chinese symbolism the peony represents wealth and honour, while quails convey wishes for peace and harmony. The combination of auspicious imagery, refined brushwork and subtle colour makes this hanging scroll an engaging work of traditional Chinese bird-and-flower painting.