Shan shui

Shan shui (山水, literally "mountain-water") refers to a style of traditional Chinese landscape painting that involves or depicts scenery or natural landscapes, using brush and ink rather than more conventional paints. Mountains, rivers, and often waterfalls are prominent motifs in shan shui paintings.

The concept of shan shui is rooted in Daoist philosophy, emphasizing harmony between humans and nature. The paintings are not simply representations of physical landscapes; they are meant to convey the artist's understanding of the natural world and its underlying principles (li). The "three distances" are a key compositional principle: high distance (height), deep distance (depth), and level distance (horizon).

Shan shui paintings often feature idealized or imagined landscapes, rather than specific locations. They are typically executed in monochrome or with limited color palettes, focusing on the nuances of ink wash techniques to create texture, depth, and atmosphere. Calligraphy, often in the form of a poem or inscription, is also an integral part of the artwork, further enhancing its meaning and artistic value.

The development of shan shui painting can be traced back to the Six Dynasties period (220-589 CE), with significant advancements made during the Tang (618-907 CE) and Song (960-1279 CE) dynasties. Prominent shan shui artists throughout history include Gu Kaizhi, Wang Wei, Jing Hao, Guan Tong, Dong Yuan, Ju Ran, Li Cheng, Fan Kuan, Mi Fu, and Huang Gongwang. The style continues to be practiced and reinterpreted by contemporary artists.