The
painting depicts tattered lotus leaves growing along a riverbank. One
goose calls with neck outstretched, while the other quietly preens its
feathers. The arching leaves and turning blades of grass subtly suggest
the force of the wind.
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The
preening goose is identical in composition with another painting in the
Museum's collection, attributed to Emperor Hui-tsung. It has been
suggested that an artist working in the Imperial Painting Academy may have
painted several versions based on an original by the Emperor.
The
painting was executed on two pieces of silk. The center joining reveals
that they may have been originally mounted separately.
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