A host of birds—including grosbeaks, shrikes, pigeons, and quail—has gathered in a wild thicket of bamboo and brambles dominated by an old, blossoming plum tree. The boughs and trunks of the underbrush are imbued with an enduring strength set off by the delicate moistness of the leaves and flowers. Through careful study and observation of Nature, Sung artists were able to communicate their subjects' spirit and character, and their works, regardless of scale or complexity of composition, reflect a certain sense of liveliness and animation.The composition is stable and the branches are complex, but not chaotic. The arching branches extend from right to left to carve out a space, offset the vertical arrangement, and suggest tensile force. This also gives the work rhythmic flow and movement, expressing the aesthetics of bird-and-flower painting in court painting under Hui-tsung. Taking a slice from nature, this work reveals considerable compositional skill. Furthermore, the beautifully naturalistic details of blossoms, plants, and birds reflect the artist's meticulous observation.This work bears no signature or seals that allow us to identify the artist, but stylistic considerations suggest it is a product of the Sung Imperial Painting Academy.