Wang Lin was born in Nanjing, Jiangsu province. From an early age he exhibited great talent in poetry, calligraphy and painting. After passing the civil service exam, Wang was appointed Salt-receiver for Fujian province where he helped organize a poetry and drinking society that became very well known.
This charming painting with tiny orange orioles in flight just off center recalls the delicate drawing and lyrical coloring in the works of Qiu Ying (d.1552), the artist mentioned as inspiration in the inscription here.