Landscape

Hu Yuan Chinese

Qing dynasty (1644–1911)

Not on view

Traditional methods of landscape painting are invoked by Hu in this fan. Mountain forms are built using a system of brush dabs, while forests are created by an assembly of ideogram trees. Dilute ink and pale colors soften the rigor of the traditional conception, producing work with an easy popular appeal.

In 19th century China, there were no museums and few galleries dedicated to the exhibition and sale of paintings. Artists like Hu displayed their pictures and listed their prices for commission work, usually based on size, in fan shops, mounters' shops and stationery stores.

Landscape, Hu Yuan (Chinese, 1823–1886), Folding fan mounted as an album leaf; ink and color on gold-flecked paper, China

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