Artwork

宋李唐萬壑松風圖 軸

宋李唐萬壑松風圖 軸, by Li Tang, unspecified, 1124
宋李唐萬壑松風圖 軸, by Li Tang, unspecified, 1124

宋李唐萬壑松風圖 軸 is an unspecified painting by the Song dynasty landscape artist Li Tang. It dates from 1124 and is held in the collection of the National Palace Museum.

About this work

Overview

Li Tang’s hand‑scroll, dated 1124, presents a muted mountain scene rendered on silk. The composition unfolds across a light‑tan ground, where layered rock formations and sparse vegetation dominate the visual field. Earthy browns and deep blacks define the terrain, creating a quiet, contemplative atmosphere that invites the viewer into a stylized natural world.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts a rugged landscape where craggy stones support a modest growth of trees and shrubs. By integrating flora that appears to emerge directly from the rock, the painting suggests a harmonious unity between earth and vegetation, reflecting a philosophical appreciation for the enduring yet subtle forces of nature.

Technique & Style

Executed with delicate brushwork on silk, Li Tang employs soft, layered strokes to model the contours of rock and foliage. The limited palette of brown and black tones, applied in gradual washes, produces a sense of depth while maintaining a restrained, almost monochromatic aesthetic characteristic of early Song landscape painting.

History & Provenance

The scroll, attributed to the renowned Song‑dynasty artist Li Tang, has been part of the National Palace Museum’s collection since its acquisition in the 20th century. Its provenance traces back to imperial archives, confirming its authenticity and situating it within the broader corpus of Li Tang’s surviving works.

Context

Created during a period when Chinese painters emphasized the spiritual resonance of natural scenery, this piece exemplifies the Song court’s interest in scholarly landscape art. Li Tang’s approach reflects the era’s shift toward subtle expression of mood over detailed representation, aligning with contemporary aesthetic ideals.

清   王鑑   倣巨然《溪山高士圖》   軸|Lofty Scholar among Streams and Mountains, in the manner of Juran
清 王鑑 倣巨然《溪山高士圖》 軸|Lofty Scholar among Streams and Mountains, in the manner of Juran, Wang Jian

Artist & collection

Portrait of Li Tang

Artist

Li Tang

Chinese, ca. 1070s–ca. 1150s|

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Palace Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted 宋李唐萬壑松風圖 軸?

宋李唐萬壑松風圖 軸 was painted by Li Tang in 1124.

Where can I see 宋李唐萬壑松風圖 軸?

宋李唐萬壑松風圖 軸 is held by National Palace Museum.

What movement is 宋李唐萬壑松風圖 軸?

宋李唐萬壑松風圖 軸 is associated with Song dynasty landscape.