This painting shows Zhao’s virtuosity. Although the peacock is painted with its feathers down, it still looks spectacular and majestic. Its plumage is meticulously painted in the 'gongbi' style or fine brushwork and spreads magnificently across the foreground. The rock on which the bird is perched is rendered in a contrasting 'xieyi' or spontaneous manner. White is used as an undertone to bring out the brilliance of the turquoise feathers and the eyes. The 'gongbi' style refers to a technique in Chinese painting that requires meticulous brushstrokes and attention to details.
