Winter Landscape Scroll Painting

Exquisitely painted with delicate line work and a minimalist color palette, this Chinese scroll painting depicts an idyllic mountainside landscape in the middle of winter. The hanging scroll was painted by artist Wang Yu in the early 20th century, brushed in the style of late 17th century calligraphy. Tucked within the snowy cliffs are quaint pagodas, arched bridges, and snow-capped trees. Near the bottom of the composition is a quiet retreat home, surrounded by graceful pines and a courtyard garden. If you look closely, you can even see two villagers sharing a pot of hot tea through the window.

The artist’s fluttering linework gracefully captures the irregular beauty of nature, accentuated by soft shading and subtle ink washes that skillfully distinguish the terrain of the scenery. The painting is inscribed and signed, with multiple seals of the artist as well as brushwork of Chinese text. Quiet and serene, this Qing-dynasty scroll perfectly captures the stark beauty of winter.