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明 佚名 倣陸治 山水 扇|Landscape by Lu Zhi

Lu Zhi · 16th century or later

This serene painting, “Landscape,” by an anonymous artist working in the manner of Lu Zhi, dates to the 16th century. Originally a folding fan, it is now mounted as an album leaf, painted with ink on gold paper.

Observe the delicate rendering of the mountains emerging from a soft mist. Scattered amongst the peaks are small temple complexes, suggesting places of scholarly retreat and spiritual contemplation. The use of gold paper gives the scene a soft, luminous glow.

The painting's style reflects the refined landscapes of Lu Zhi, a prominent Ming dynasty painter. The accompanying calligraphy on the fan panel likely contains a poem, reinforcing the theme of a quiet, reflective life away from worldly concerns. It’s a work that encourages a moment of calm and introspection.

What details in the landscape draw your eye most deeply into its tranquil world?

Details

Now look at the small temple complexes.
Now look at the small temple complexes.
They represent places of quiet scholarly retreat.
They represent places of quiet scholarly retreat.
And this inscription is a poem about living simply.
And this inscription is a poem about living simply.
The whole image is an invitation to contemplation.
The whole image is an invitation to contemplation.
The subtle shimmer of the gold paper adds a luxurious and luminous quality to the entire scene.
The subtle shimmer of the gold paper adds a luxurious and luminous quality to the entire scene.
Transcript

This isn't just a mountain landscape. It began as a folding fan, painted on gold paper. Now look at the small temple complexes. They represent places of quiet scholarly retreat. And this inscription is a poem about living simply. The whole image is an invitation to contemplation.