Introduction-Spotlight on National Treasures 2026-II

Introduction

In accordance with the “Cultural Heritage Preservation Act,” items in the National Palace Museum’s collections are given one of three designations: “National Treasure,” “Significant Historic Artifact,” or “General Historic Artifact.” Although National Treasures can frequently be found on exhibit in the NPM, in order to make it possible for visitors to enjoy them no matter when they come to the museum, one of the NPM’s galleries has been set aside especially for a series entitled “Spotlight on National Treasures.” For this exhibition series, each season one piece of National Treasure-level painting or calligraphy is put on display in the designated gallery.

Selections

永嘉王振鵬畫，妙在界畫，運筆和墨，毫分縷析，左右高下，俯仰曲折，方圓平直，曲盡其體，而神氣飛動，不為法拘。嘗為大明宮圖以獻，世稱妙絕。──虞集（1272–1348）《道園學古錄》

A Master of Precision: Wang Zhenpeng and the Art of Architectural Painting

Wang Zhenpeng (ca. 1280–1329) was a court artist of the Yuan dynasty, renowned for his extraordinary skill in jiehua (architectural painting) and baimiao figure painting (fine-line monochrome drawing). His work is characterized by meticulous detail, where complex structures like palatial buildings and vessels are rendered with structural precision using incredibly fine, fluid lines. Favorited by Emperor Renzong (r. 1311–1320), Wang moved within the highest elite circles of the capital, often creating paintings for imperial family members and high-ranking officials.

- Seal “Hermit of the Solitary Cloud”
  Dragon Boats
  Wang Zhenpeng, Yuan dynasty
  Handscroll
  中畫000018
- Seal “Specially Bestowed Books to the Hermit of the Solitary Cloud”
  Regatta on Dragon Lake Wang Zhenpeng, Yuan dynasty
  Handscroll
  故畫001013
- Work painted by Wang Zhenpeng for Lord Cao, chancellor of the Hanlin Academy, in 1310
  Dragon Boat Race by the Baojin Hall
  Wang Zhenpeng, Yuan dynasty
  Handscroll

三月三日金明池，龍驤萬斛紛遊嬉。歡聲雷動喧鼓吹，喜色日射明旌旗。錦標濡沫能幾許，吳兒顛倒不自知。因憐世上奔競者，進寸退尺何其癡。但取萬民同樂意，為作一片無聲詩。──王振鵬〈龍池競渡圖〉（國立故宮博物院藏）

Variations on a Theme: The Unique Mastery of This Scroll

This scroll bears the seal "Hermit of the Solitary Cloud," a title bestowed on Wang Zhenpeng by the Emperor. There are numerous dragon boat works under Wang Zhenpeng’s name; they exhibit highly similar compositions and forms, yet show subtle differences in the quality of the brushwork. However, this specific work stands out for its austere, pure-line style.

Unlike other versions characterized by more ink washes or formal inscriptions, this painting’s minimalist approach suggests it could be a high-quality "master draft" or an unfinished masterpiece. Interestingly, an examination of other versions of the dragon boat regatta, such as Wang Zhenpeng’s Dragon Boat Racing at Baojin Hall (currently on view in Gallery 212), reveals how the artist brilliantly blended ceremonial details from different eras to create a timeless vision of imperial celebration.

- Dragon Boats (Detail)
  Wang Zhenpeng, Yuan dynasty
  中畫000018
- Dragon Boats (Detail)
  Wang Zhenpeng, Yuan dynasty
  中畫000018
- Dragon Boats (Detail)
  Wang Zhenpeng, Yuan dynasty
  中畫000018

Dragon Boats
Wang Zhenpeng, Yuan dynasty
Silk
中畫000018
National Treasure

- Regatta on Dragon Lake (Detail)
  Wang Zhenpeng, Yuan dynasty
  故畫000971
- Regatta on Dragon Lake (Detail)
  Wang Zhenpeng, Yuan dynasty
  故畫000971
- Regatta on Dragon Lake (Detail)
  Wang Zhenpeng, Yuan dynasty
  故畫000971

Exhibit List

No.	Title	Size of Artwork (cm)	Collection Number	Levels
1	Dragon Boats Wang Zhenpeng, Yuan dynasty Handscroll	32.9x178	Zhong hua 000018	National Treasure