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Artwork

The Thousand Acres of Clouds, from Twelve Views of Tiger Hill, Suzhou

Shen Zhou , 1500

The Thousand Acres of Clouds, from Twelve Views of Tiger Hill, Suzhou, by Shen Zhou, unspecified, 1500
The Thousand Acres of Clouds, from Twelve Views of Tiger Hill, Suzhou, by Shen Zhou, unspecified, 1500

The Thousand Acres of Clouds, from Twelve Views of Tiger Hill, Suzhou is an unspecified painting by the Ming dynasty painting artist Shen Zhou. It dates from 1500 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

History & Provenance

The Thousand Acres of Clouds, from the series Twelve Views of Tiger Hill, Suzhou, was painted by the Chinese artist Shen Zhou (1427–1509) in 1500, during the final decade of his life. The work depicts architectural and natural elements, a house and trees, within a Chinese landscape and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art under accession number 1964.371.9. While its creation date and Chinese origin are established, the available records do not contain specific details regarding its exhibition history or further provenance milestones beyond its current museum housing.

Overview

This painting, titled The Thousand Acres of Clouds, was created by Shen Zhou in 1500. It forms part of his larger series, Twelve Views of Tiger Hill, Suzhou. The work captures a tranquil landscape scene, featuring architectural elements nestled within a natural setting. It is currently housed in The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a substantial house situated atop a hill, distinguished by its tiled roof and a balcony where a figure stands. Surrounding the dwelling are various trees and bushes, while a distant mountain range provides a backdrop. The overall impression is one of quiet contemplation, with human presence integrated harmoniously into the expansive natural world.

Technique & Style

Shen Zhou employed a palette of muted tones, predominantly grays and browns, contributing to the painting's serene atmosphere. The artist utilized subtle brushstrokes to render the forms, creating a sense of both depth and varied texture across the landscape. This approach allows the architectural and natural elements to blend seamlessly, enhancing the work's peaceful quality.

Context
As one of the Twelve Views of Tiger Hill, Suzhou, this painting belongs to a series exploring a renowned scenic area near Suzhou, China.

As one of the Twelve Views of Tiger Hill, Suzhou, this painting belongs to a series exploring a renowned scenic area near Suzhou, China. Such landscape series were common among literati painters of the Ming dynasty, allowing artists like Shen Zhou to interpret famous sites through their unique aesthetic sensibilities. The work reflects the period's appreciation for natural beauty and scholarly retreat.

The Thousand Buddha Hall and the Pagoda of the "Cloudy Cliff" Monastery, from Twelve Views of Tiger Hill, Suzhou
The Thousand Buddha Hall and the Pagoda of the "Cloudy Cliff" Monastery, from Twelve Views of Tiger Hill, Suzhou, Shen Zhou

Artist & collection

Portrait of Shen Zhou

Artist

Shen Zhou

Shen Zhou spent his life in the Suzhou region of China, where his family’s money and connections mattered more than art, until it did.

MORE BY SHEN ZHOU

SAME SUBJECT

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted The Thousand Acres of Clouds, from Twelve Views of Tiger Hill, Suzhou?

The Thousand Acres of Clouds, from Twelve Views of Tiger Hill, Suzhou was painted by Shen Zhou in 1500-01-01.

Where can I see The Thousand Acres of Clouds, from Twelve Views of Tiger Hill, Suzhou?

The Thousand Acres of Clouds, from Twelve Views of Tiger Hill, Suzhou is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Thousand Acres of Clouds, from Twelve Views of Tiger Hill, Suzhou?

The Thousand Acres of Clouds, from Twelve Views of Tiger Hill, Suzhou is associated with Ming dynasty painting.

Can I buy a print of The Thousand Acres of Clouds, from Twelve Views of Tiger Hill, Suzhou?

Museum-quality prints of The Thousand Acres of Clouds, from Twelve Views of Tiger Hill, Suzhou are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.