Chinese scroll painting depicting a tree with birds is a common and popular subject in traditional Chinese art. The scrolls are typically made of paper, silk and are mounted on a roller for hanging
THE TEXT : Translated by Chinese scholar :On the FRONT PAGE OF BIRD, TREE SCROLL.
曾灜 the scroll is dedicated to Zēng Yíng, those are the first two characters on the left. assume he is the one who commissioned the work.
The text is written in classical Chinese calligraphy (not modern Chinese) in poetic style. It reads:
玉骨冰清, which is Literally “jade bones, ice pure” – a poetic phrase often used to describe a person of noble character, purity, and elegance.
The red seal (name seal), is most likely a stylized version of the author’s name. But the name seal is only partially legible. One guess would be 衡陽曾熙印 (“Seal of Zeng Xi of Hengyang”), which aligns with known seals used by the prominent Qing‑ and Republican‑era scholar‑artist 曾熙 (Zeng Xi, 1861–1930). If it is him, this could be a valuable piece if it's an original.
The second text is could just be the name of the painting.
白梅园 just means White Plum Garden.
Key elements of this scroll:
Tree:
The vague dark tree stump is a central element, depicted with intricate details of branches and with flowers. Spring and new growth bring a lightness and joy to both the artist and the viewer.
Birds:
Two colorful birds are included, adding a touch of radiant life and movement to the scene.
Composition:
The composition of this scroll is carefully considered, with the tree and birds arranged to create a harmonious and balanced image.
Materials:
Traditional materials like paper and silk are used, with ink and natural pigments for the painting. The background is a white on white whimsey of bird and creature pattern.
Mounting:
The scroll is mounted on a one inch dark stained roller, allowing it to be easily hung and displayed.
Symbolism:
Trees and birds often carry symbolic meaning in Chinese culture. For example, trees can represent longevity, while certain birds can symbolize good fortune or prosperity.