Song dynasty AD960-1279

Anonymous

Autumn Mountains

Introduction

Song dynasty AD960-1279

Anonymous

Autumn Mountains

Hanging scroll, ink on silk

172.9 cm (vertical) × 62.7 cm (horizontal)

This painting’s style resembles that of Mt. Kuanglu (by Jing Hao (fl. 10th century)) housed in the National Palace Museum and represents a classic example of Northern Chinese landscape paintings. Although the artwork lacks an author’s signature, Emperor Qianlong (reigned 1735–1796) played a key role in interpreting and naming the work. In 1751, he inscribed a poetic colophon: “Autumn hills in clusters, a serene grass hut, frosty skies high above, and autumn trees in crimson. The Four Masters of the Yuan dynasty gathered here, with the Seven Sages of the Jin dynasty coming and going. Deeply moved by the laborious composition, amid steep cliffs and verdant glades, I hold my new manuscript, reviewing and editing line by line.” Simultaneously, the emperor titled the painting Autumn Mountain by a Song Artist and stamped it with seals such as “Qianlong’s imperial calligraphy” and “appreciated by the emperor.”

The painting features towering peaks and jagged cliffs, with overlapping multifaceted rock formations creating a sense of massiveness. The contour lines of the rocks appear seamless yet subtly varied. The artist employed short, chapped texture strokes, giving the peaks a forceful, solid texture. Streams meander down the mountains, introducing a sense of depth. The lush trees interweave barren branches, resembling crab claws, amidst dense tree canopies. The scattered arrangement of boulders and slopes, partially obscured by trees and mist, enhances the spatial layering and highlights the grandeur of the mountain forest. At the mountain’s base are residences, fishing boats moored along the water, and travelers visible in the valleys and ravines, adding vitality to the otherwise tranquil and desolate atmosphere. While this piece inherits the traditions of early Northern Chinese landscape painting, its creation is likely traceable to the 13th or 14th century.

Selections

Song dynasty AD960-1279

Anonymous

Autumn Mountains

Song dynasty AD960-1279

Anonymous

Autumn Mountains