Artwork
清 王槩 芥子園畫傳|Leaf from the Mustard Seed Garden Manual of Painting (Jieziyuan huazhuan)
清 王槩 芥子園畫傳|Leaf from the Mustard Seed Garden Manual of Painting (Jieziyuan huazhuan) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Wang Gai. It is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This woodblock print is a leaf from the Mustard Seed Garden Manual of Painting, a comprehensive guide to landscape painting.
About this work
Overview
This woodblock print is a leaf from the Mustard Seed Garden Manual of Painting, a comprehensive guide to landscape painting.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts two serene mountain scenes: a winding path ascending rocky hills with tiny buildings and trees, and a boat on calm water near a misty shore. The scenes convey a sense of tranquility and invite contemplation.
Technique & Style
The images are rendered using delicate ink lines and subtle shading, with no bold colors. The artist's use of layered lines and nuanced detail creates depth and visual interest.
Context
As part of a manual for artists, this print demonstrates techniques for painting landscapes, including the use of line work to convey texture and atmosphere.
Artist & collection
清 王槩 設計，李漁出版 芥子園畫傳 版本|Landscape after Xia Gui (active ca. 1195–1230), from the Mustard Seed Garden Manual of Painting
清 王槩 畫圖、李漁出版 《芥子園畫傳》 木版畫|Page from the Mustard Seed Garden Manual of Painting
清 王槩 設計，李漁出版 芥子園畫傳 版本|Landscape after Fan Kuan (active ca. 990–1030), from the Mustard Seed Garden Manual of Painting
清 王槩 設計，李漁出版 芥子園畫傳 版本|Mt. Heng, after Juran (active ca. 960–965), from the Mustard Seed Garden Manual of Painting
芥子園畫傳|Study Pavilion and Plum Trees: Page from The Mustard Seed Garden Manual of Painting
清 王槩 設計，李漁出版 芥子園畫傳 版本|Old Trees by Li Cheng (919–967), as interpreted by Kuncan (1612–1673), from the Mustard Seed Garden Manual of Painting
芥子園畫傳|Seeds and Aleurities Cordata (?): Page from The Mustard Seed Garden Manual of Painting (Jieziyuan huazhuan)