5.1 Development of Landscape Painting Traditions

Chinese landscape painting evolved from backdrop to masterpiece, capturing nature's grandeur and cosmic unity. Starting in the 3rd century, it reached its golden age during the Song Dynasty, with artists like Fan Kuan creating iconic works.

Landscape painting reflected Chinese philosophy, blending Daoist harmony, Buddhist contemplation, and Confucian ideals. Various schools emerged, from the detailed Northern style to the expressive Southern approach, shaping this art form's rich tradition.

Evolution of Chinese Landscape Painting

Origins and Early Development

Top images from around the web for Origins and Early Development

• 

  Tang Di - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Shan shui - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Shan shui - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Tang Di - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Shan shui - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Origins and Early Development

• 

  Tang Di - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Shan shui - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Shan shui - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Tang Di - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Shan shui - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Chinese landscape painting (shanshui) emerged as a distinct genre in the 3rd century CE during the Jin Dynasty
• Early landscape paintings served as backdrops for figure paintings depicting idealized nature scenes
• Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) advanced landscape painting techniques
  • Li Sixun developed the blue-and-green style
  • Wang Wei pioneered the ink-wash style
• Five Dynasties period (907-960 CE) established foundations of monumental landscape painting
  • Artists like Jing Hao and Guan Tong emphasized nature's grandeur

Golden Age and Maturation

• Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127 CE) marked the golden age of Chinese landscape painting
  • Artists such as Fan Kuan, Guo Xi, and Li Cheng created masterpieces embodying cosmic unity
• Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279 CE) developed a more intimate approach
  • Ma Yuan and Xia Gui focused on smaller scenes and atmospheric effects
• Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368 CE) saw the emergence of literati painting
  • Scholar-artists emphasized personal expression and brushwork over realistic representation

Characteristics of Early Landscape Painting

Painting Styles and Techniques

• Blue-and-green style utilized mineral pigments for vibrant, decorative landscapes
• Ink-wash style employed varying shades of black ink for atmospheric effects
• "Three distances" technique created depth and perspective
  • High distance (gaoyuan)
  • Deep distance (shenyuan)
  • Level distance (pingyuan)
• "Axe-cut" stroke technique depicted rocky formations and mountain contours
• "Cloudy mountains" technique suggested distance and depth using layers of ink wash
• "Hemp-fiber" stroke technique rendered textures of trees and vegetation

Artistic Elements and Composition

• Early landscape painters incorporated calligraphy and poetry into their works
• Artists combined visual and literary arts in Chinese painting
• Compositions often reflected balance of opposing forces (yin and yang)
• Painters used light and dark contrasts to create depth and atmosphere
• Scenes frequently depicted mountains (yang) and water (yin) reflecting Chinese cosmology

Influences on Landscape Painting

Philosophical and Religious Influences

• Daoism shaped landscape painting emphasizing harmony between humans and nature
  • Concept of wu wei (non-action) influenced artistic approach
• Buddhist philosophy promoted contemplative and atmospheric depictions of nature
  • Emphasized meditation and interconnectedness of all things
• Confucian ideals of self-cultivation influenced literati painting tradition
  • Landscape painting became a means of expressing character and values

Cultural and Social Factors

• Scholarly pursuit of painting as one of the "Four Arts" elevated landscape painting
  • Other arts included calligraphy, music, and strategy games (weiqi)
• Imperial patronage significantly influenced development of landscape painting styles
  • Establishment of painting academies during various dynasties
• Chinese cosmological view directly influenced shanshui painting
  • World seen as consisting of mountains (yang) and water (yin)

Schools and Variations of Landscape Painting

Major Schools and Styles

• Northern School emphasized meticulous detail and grand, imposing landscapes
  • Associated with court-sponsored academic style
• Southern School focused on expressive brushwork and intimate, poetic scenes
  • Linked to the literati tradition
• Zhe School combined elements of Northern and Southern styles
  • Emerged during Ming Dynasty, synthesizing academic and literati approaches
• Wu School created elegant, refined landscapes incorporating literary themes
  • Centered in the Suzhou region

Regional Variations and Modern Developments

• Anhui School characterized by stark, angular depictions of unique topography
  • Developed in late Ming and early Qing periods
  • Often depicted Huangshan mountains
• Lingnan School blended traditional Chinese techniques with Western influences
  • Emerged in late 19th century in Guangdong province
  • Created distinctive modern style of landscape painting
• Regional variations influenced by local geography, climate, and cultural traditions
  • Resulted in diverse interpretations of natural scenery across China
  • Examples include misty landscapes of Jiangnan region, rugged mountains of Sichuan