Untitled

Wang Meng employs brisk, sketch‑like strokes to render texture: rough bark, craggy rocks, and uneven terrain are suggested through rapid line work. Layered ink washes and subtle color accents build depth, while cross‑hatching adds tonal variation, giving the impression of a spontaneous yet carefully organized drawing.

The fan‑print dates to the mid‑14th century, a period when woodblock printing was a common medium for both artistic and practical purposes in China. It entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the early 20th century, reflecting the museum’s early interest in East Asian prints.

Wang Meng was a prominent figure among the Yuan dynasty literati painters, known for integrating poetic sensibility with visual art. This work exemplifies the era’s preference for intimate, contemplative scenes rendered in a format suitable for personal enjoyment, such as portable fans.