The Peach Blossom Spring 桃花源圖
1650
ink
From the collection of Art Institute of Chicago
1650
ink
From the collection of Art Institute of Chicago
You unroll a long silk scroll showing misty mountains, a hidden cave, and farmers tending fields under blooming peach trees. A tiny fisherman in a red boat points toward the secret valley. The scene comes from a 1,600-year-old Chinese fable about a perfect place cut off from war and time. Qiu Ying painted every leaf and rock with fine brushstrokes so the story feels alive. The peach blossoms aren’t just pretty—they stand for a life without end. To see how other artists painted hidden worlds, look up the Art Institute of Chicago.
