Painting in National Palace Museum, Song dynasty part3

Welcome to the National Palace Museum's collection of paintings from the Song dynasty! These works of art were created by some of the most influential painters in Chinese history, and they offer us a unique glimpse into the culture of the time. You will find masterpieces such as Remote View of Streams and Hills by Hsia Kuei, Paised Egrets on a Snowy Bank by Ma Yuan, Evening Outing by Torchlight by Ma Lin, Scholar by an unknown artist, Immortal in Splashed Ink by Liang K'ai, Kuan-yin of a Thousand Arms and Eyes by an unknown artist, and Ancient Temple Concealed in Seclusion by Chia Shih-ku. We hope you enjoy exploring these incredible works of art!

1. Remote View of Streams and Hills

Hsia Kuei was a painter who lived during the Southern Sung period (1127-1279). He was born in Ch'ien-t'ang (modern Hangchow) and was promoted to the rank of Painter-in-Attendance during the reign of Emperor Ning-tsung

2. Paised Egrets on a Snowy Bank

Ma Yuan was from a family originally from Ho-chung, Shansi. His family later moved to Hangchow, the capital of the Southern Sung. He served as a Painter-in-Attendance at the court of Emperors Kuang-tsung and Ning-tsung.

3. Evening Outing by Torchlight

Ma Lin was a painter who served the court during the reigns of Emperors Ning-tsung and Li-tsung. Most of his surviving works were done for the court.

4. Scholar

A scholar is shown seated on a lounge bed, thinking deeply. He holds a brush, as if he is taking a break from his studies or is about to write something. Behind him is a screen, upon which is painted a sandy shore and some waterfowl.

5. Immortal in Splashed Ink

Liang K'ai was a very talented painter, and learned from a great teacher. He was able to paint figures, landscapes, and religious subjects very well. In 1210, he was given a high honor by the court, but he refused it and left.

6. Kuan-yin of a Thousand Arms and Eyes

Kuan-yin is a bodhisattva, or enlightened being, who represents mercy and compassion in Buddhism. This painting shows her in an important form that is often seen in esoteric, or mystical, Buddhism. The colors and details in the painting are beautiful and very well done.

7. Ancient temple concealed in seclusion

Chia Shih-ku was a painter who lived in China during the Shaohsing reign (1131-1162). Not much is known about his life, but we do know that he was talented in painting Buddhist and Taoist figures.