Bian Jingzhao (邊景昭), Ming Dynasty, color on silk. 51 1/4, X 25 1/4131 x 64.3 cm, Year: 1427. Artist Seals: “Wen Jin” (「文进」). Emperor Xuan De (Zhu Zhanji 1399-1435) Seal: “Guang Yun Zhi Bao” (「廣運之寶」). Two other seals cannot be read. Artist’s notes and signature: 「宣德二年秋七月上浣 直武英殿錦衣衛隴西邊景昭制」 Translation: “2nd year of Xuan De, 7th month in autumn Shang Huan (The 1st 10 days of the month) , Zhi Wu Ying Dian (Royal Academy) Jinyi Guard, Longxi, Bian Jingzhao” Bian Jingzhao, curtsey name Wenjin. Birth and death dates are unknown. Wenjin was active between 1424 -1435. He entered the Royal Academy (Wu Ying Dian) in Yong Le period (1403 - 1424), and left in Xuan De period (1426-1435). He was ranked number 1 in early Ming after the Song and Yuan flower-birds painters. The Xuan Zong (Xuanhe) emperor Zhu Zhanji had been often discussing, chatting on paintings with Wenjin in the Palace. Wenjin was appointed as a Jin Yi Guard (Jin Yi Wei/錦衣衛) to be on call by the emperor. Many paintings in museums have the Qing Dynasty Qian Long’s seals on them but very fewer have Ming emperor Zhu Zhanji’s as Zhu had very smaller collection. And many more fewer have survived.