有時我們難免會想：為什麼水墨畫會把「花鳥」當成一個重要的畫科，專在表現其設色之美？大概這幅畫就可以做一個說明。

孔雀之美乃美在其外表，頭部及頸部的「金屬藍」真是美的無以復加，因此有人就甘脆叫它「孔雀藍」。至於古印度的「孔雀王朝」，不知道他們的代表旗幟是不是孔雀？如果不是，命名為「孔雀王朝」，跟「美」掛上鉤，就令人「心嚮往之」了。

這幅畫裡，一隻孔雀由紫藤花底下走出來，優閒的，若有所思的踱步。藤花與孔雀的翠羽輝映成趣。

Sometimes I can't help wondering why "flowers and birds" are used exclusively in ink and wash painting to express the beauty of their colors. This painting can probably shed some light on this question.

The beauty of peacocks lies in their appearance, and the metallic blue of their head and neck is sublime. Some people simply call this color "peacock blue." I don't remember whether the "Peacock Dynasty" of ancient India used a peacock on its banner. If not, then the "Peacock Dynasty" would have strongly emphasized its association with beauty.

This painting shows a peacock walking out from under wisteria blossoms. It is at ease, as if immersed in thought. The wisteria and the emerald feathers of the peacock form an interesting contrast.＠

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責任編輯：昌英