Towering Mountains and Fantastic Waterfalls, c. 1600
Zhang Chenglongexpand_more
Ink and color on silkexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 2008.26.2
Not on Viewexpand_more
This large painting displays a range of fantastic mountains towering above a group of scholar-recluses gathered together on a pavilion to survey the dense bamboo forest and extraordinarily complex array of waterfalls. Beyond these unlikely watercourses loom magnificently dark and imposing peaks. Zhang Chenglong shows the viewer a duality: the distant mountains are seen as greatly distorted fantastic forms, while those elements in close relationship to the everyday world in the foreground, including human figures, architecture, and bamboos, are all rendered in extreme detail that maintains a great truthfulness to reality. The mountain imagery is thus uniquely different from other worldly phenomena, signifying the notion of mountains as a sacred realm where humans can communicate with transcendental beings or seek refuge.
Details
- Title
- Towering Mountains and Fantastic Waterfalls
- Artist Life
- active late 16th - early 17th century
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2008.26.2
- Curator Approved
This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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