Primeira neve no rio - Núcleo da pintura 1

Zhao Gan

Primeira neve no rio - Núcleo da pintura 1 by Zhao Gan

Imagine standing on a freezing riverbank in 10th-century China—that's the vibe of this masterpiece by Zhao Gan. Painted during the Southern Tang dynasty, this handscroll depicts fishermen battling the icy water while travelers on horseback huddle near bare, windswept trees. It’s a brilliant example of 'river and lake' painting, focusing on everyday life rather than majestic mountains. Fun fact: the scroll features an inscription by Li Yu, the last emperor of the dynasty, who was more famous for his poetry than his ruling!

Technique
Ink and color on silk
Material
Silk

Location: National Palace Museum, Taipei

Related Artworks