Scholar Looking at a Waterfall by Zhong Li (act. ca. 1480-1500)
Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk
Signature of artist, undated, no seals
Height 69-1/2 inches, Width 40-5/8 inches
1991.438.4
"A gentleman is seated on a promontory gazing across a chasm
at a waterfall. The presence of a servant, some potted plants and
an ornamental rock enclosed by a tile border make it clear that this
is not a wilderness scene, but a reference to the scholar's garden."
(Central Catalog)
The early Ming period, reflecting the restoration of Chinese rule
following the Mongol period, focused on a return to the grand landscapes
of the Southern Song tradition of Ma Yuan and Xia Gui. This painting
exhibits a clearly defined brushstroke, and emphasizes the dramatic
contrast between the rocks and mountains, and the small figure observing
and reflecting upon the power of nature.
Landscape painting plays an important role in Chinese art, signifying
the beauties and wonders of nature as well as the workings of the
universe and humanity's relationship with the world. "From the
early centuries of the common era men wandered into the mountains
not only in quest of immortality but to purify the spirit and find
renewal. Daoist and Buddhist holy men gravitated to sacred mountains
to build meditation huts and establish temples." (Hearn, p. 3)
Cahill, James. "Zhe school [Chin. Zhe pai]." The Grove
Dictionary of Art Online, ed. L. Macy (Accessed 17 September 2002),
<http://www.groveart.com>
The Grove Dictionary of Art Online, ed. L. Macy (Accessed
17 September 2002), <http://www.groveart.com> "China: Painting
themes, Landscape," "China: Landscape painting, Historical
development, Southern Song to Yuan (1127-1368)," "China:
Landscape painting, Historical development, Ming (1368-1644)"
Hearn, Maxwell K. Cultivated Landscapes: Chinese Paintings from
the Collection of Marie-Hélène and Guy Weill. New
York: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2002.
Little, Stephen. "Literati views of the Zhe School." Oriental
Art, ns 37, Winter 1991/92, p. 192-208.
Maeda, Robert J. "Water Theme in Chinese Painting." Artibus
Asiae, v. 33, no. 4, 1971, p. 247-90.
Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Catalog, New York, New York.
