A promise kept in paint

Zhao Ji, or Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), remains infamous as one of history's least devoted rulers. He turned away from state affairs in favor of art and literature. Yet, several paintings attributed to him are now regarded as masterpieces, including Plum and Birds, beside which he inscribed a four-line poem:

"Mountain birds show off an easy grace; plum blossoms present a tender charm.

We've made a pact through these painted forms; for a thousand years, we point to the white-headed birds."

It is believed that the emperor used the white-headed birds as a metaphor for enduring love, while also revealing his own lifelong attachment to painting.

Centuries later, Jiang Caiping (1934-2026) quoted the second half of Zhao Ji's poem to open an article, reflecting on her own career. Written when she was 79, the piece looked back on more than six decades devoted to classical Chinese painting and art education.

That inspired staff members at the Beijing Fine Art Academy while organizing an exhibition in memory of Jiang in the academy's art museum. Titled A Promise with Painting, the ongoing exhibition, which runs through May 24, presents more than 60 paintings and drawings, as well as manuscripts, diaries and videos. Together, they trace her lifelong effort to preserve Chinese painting, from documenting ordinary lives to exploring the possibilities of handmade pigments.