Two Geese

Traditionally, wild geese were associated with Chan (Zen) thought as well as with ideas of travel, separation, and political exile. The birds were also an important theme in the painting of Bada Shanren and rank as one of his most popular subjects. With masterful control over his ink tonalities and the calligraphic execution of his brushstrokes, Bada was particularly adept at capturing the subtle coloration and natural manner of these birds in various postures of motion and repose. On one level, the painting may be taken as an indication of Bada's lingering affection for the secluded life of a Buddhist monk; but while the scene appears barren and desolate-all weathered rocks and sparsely grown cliffs-the pair of healthy, vigorous geese that are the painting's focus, one upright and alert, the other tucked in sleep, suggest the comfort of companionship within an otherwise bleak and inhospitable world.

The absence of a date and dedication on this scroll indicates that it was probably painted as a genre study intended for general consumption rather than as a profound personal statement or private communication. During his late career, Bada created many paintings similar to this, varying only the number of birds and relative complexity of composition, strong evidence of the commercial demand for such works from his brush.