Landscape

View right to left

Maker(s)
Artist: Wu Dan (active 1672-1712)
Historical period(s)
Qing dynasty, 1672-75
Medium
Ink and color on paper
Dimensions
H x W (image): 17.9 x 261.4 cm (7 1/16 x 102 15/16 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1950.11
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Painting
Type

Handscroll

Keywords
China, landscape, Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911)
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

Little is known about the painter of this handscroll, Wu Dan, and relatively few of his works survive. According to contemporary accounts, he was a native of Nanjing and had a passionate disposition, traveling widely around the country and finding release for his emotions through painting. He initially emulated the styles of various early masters, but later developed his own approach, combining subtle colors with delicate lines and washes of ink to create misty landscape compositions. Begun in 1672 and completed three years later, this long, narrow river scene is among Wu's earliest known works.

Published References
  • Suzuki Kei. Chugoku kaiga sogo zuroku [Comprehensive Illustrated Catalog of Chinese Painting]. 5 vols., Tokyo, 1982-1983. vol. 1: pp. 220-221.
  • Osvald Siren. Chinese Painting: Leading Masters and Principles. 7 vols., New York and London, 1956-1958. vol. 2: p. 450.
  • Nakata Yujiro, Fu Shen. O-bei shuzo Chugoku hosho meiseki shu [Masterpieces of Chinese Calligraphy in American and European Collections]. 6 vols., Tokyo, 1981-1983. vol. 6: pls. 49-50.
  • Chugoku bijutsu [Chinese Art in Western Collections]. 5 vols., Tokyo, 1972-1973. vol. 2: pl. 52.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use