Who painted Landscape with Bamboo?

Landscape with Bamboo was painted by Song Ke in 1304.

Where can I see Landscape with Bamboo?

Landscape with Bamboo is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Landscape with Bamboo?

Landscape with Bamboo is associated with Song dynasty landscape.

Artwork

Landscape with Bamboo

Song Ke , 1304

Landscape with Bamboo is an unspecified painting by the Song dynasty landscape artist Song Ke. It dates from 1304 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1997.97
Credit line: Bequest of Mrs. A. Dean Perry

About this work

In the foreground, the bamboo is depicted in various stages of growth, with some stalks bending towards the ground.

This painting shows a serene landscape with bamboo and hills. The artist uses gentle brushstrokes and soft colors to create a peaceful atmosphere.

In the foreground, the bamboo is depicted in various stages of growth, with some stalks bending towards the ground. The hills in the background are softly rounded, giving the impression of a distant landscape. The artist's use of negative space adds to the sense of calmness and serenity.

The painting's simplicity and elegance make it a beautiful example of Chinese landscape art. To learn more about the artist's technique, look up "Song Ke (Chinese, 1327–1387)".

Overview

Landscape with Bamboo, attributed to the Yuan‑dynasty painter Song Ke, dates to around 1304. Executed on silk, the work is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. It presents a tranquil scene in which slender bamboo shoots occupy the foreground while gently rolling hills recede into misty distance, establishing a balanced composition that emphasizes quietude.

Subject & Meaning

The painting foregrounds bamboo at differing stages of growth, some stalks bowing as if weighed by wind, symbolizing resilience and flexibility in Chinese cultural symbolism. The softened hills beyond suggest an idealized, harmonious natural world, inviting contemplation of humanity’s place within a broader, serene landscape.

Technique & Style

Song Ke employs restrained brushwork, allowing each bamboo leaf and stem to emerge with delicate, tapered strokes. A muted palette of ink washes and subtle color washes creates atmospheric depth, while generous areas of empty space function as visual breath, reinforcing the composition’s calm rhythm.

History & Provenance

Created in the early fourteenth century, the piece entered the Cleveland Museum of Art through a 20th‑century acquisition, though earlier ownership records remain sparse. Its attribution to Song Ke rests on stylistic analysis aligning with the artist’s known oeuvre, situating the work within the broader tradition of Yuan landscape painting.