R-C
5
Under the twisting, dragon-like branches of an ancient pine, a scholar reclines in deep contemplation, accompanied only by a young servant boy. This vertical scroll captures the essence of Southern Song dynasty aesthetics, where nature dwarfs the human figure. The calligraphy at the top, likely an imperial poem by the Qianlong Emperor added centuries later, speaks of Taoist immortality and rejecting worldly fame for the 'One Yuan Elixir' of long life. Ma Yuan, nicknamed 'One-Corner Ma' for his asymmetrical compositions, uses the dramatic diagonal sweep of the tree to guide the eye, leaving vast empty space for the viewer's imagination to wander into the misty mountains.
- Technique
- Ink and color on silk
- Material
- Silk