Winter (one of a set of four rubbings of carved paintings, of birds and flowers of the four seasons)Late 19th-early 20th century45 1/4 x 11 1/4 inches (114.9 x 28.6 cm)Ink rubbing on paperGift of Mrs. Lessing W. Williams75.057.0040A bough of plum blossoms (?) rises straight-up from the bottom center of the composition with only a slight curve. There is also a garden rock and several young sprays of grass or bamboo leaf (?) in the foreground. Near the top of this vertical thrust is a magpie with long tail feathers perched on a branch. Carved inscription: "From the brush of Empress Dowager Cixi."Prints19243511169Empress Dowager CixiChina