Lee Chao-Chi (1956-0)

Watercolor

2016

Length:106 x Width:76 (cm)

The Mikado pheasant is active in high mountain areas. It is demure, but also highly territorial. Only during the reproductive season is it possible to see two or more of these birds gathered together. When courting, the male Mikado pheasant lifts its head and thrusts its chest forward, repeatedly flapping its wings as it approaches a female. In this painting, Speaking of Love in the Mist, this artist depicts the courtship ritual of this bird, considered a national treasure, in the warmth of spring when flowers are in bloom.
Lee makes use of blank spaces common in Eastern-style water and ink paintings in her artistic conception, as well as Western-style transparent watercolor techniques. She creates abundant layers in this depiction of the resplendent plumage of this pheasant and the thick growth in the background. This artist ingeniously presents a romantic atmosphere based on ecology, namely the courtship ritual of Mikado pheasants.

Accession Number:B0045