The genre paintings of flowers and birds which emerged in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) continue to enthrall the audience today for vivid depictions of plants, animals, fruits, insects and sometimes mythological creatures.?

Auspicious Blossoming, running through March 28 at the Nanjing Museum, shows a selection of fine paintings from the museum's collection, navigating how ancient artists practiced with the style to improve their techniques.

The flower-and-bird paintings not only capture the lively scenery all year round to deliver blessings, they also show a painter's cultural accumulations as one often used the subjects as metaphors of hidden emotions and views on social issues.