National Treasures & Important Cultural Properties
of National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, Japan

Yun Ge (1633-1690, style name: Yun Shouping, sobriquet: Nan Tien) excelled in flower and bird paintings, and is counted, along with the four Wangs and Wu Li, as one of the Six Masters of the early-Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). In his youth, he is said to have been much impressed by the landscapes of Wang Hui (1632-1717, sobriquet: Shigu). In fear of never surpassing Wang's landscapes, he turned his focus to the subject of flowers and birds. This scroll, however, is proof that Yun was also an accomplished landscape artist.
The artist's inscription reveals that he painted this work at the age of thirty-nine in the style of Song painter Hui Chong (c.965-1017) in 1671. The composition, lines and coloring are mild and gentle and the lakeside villages in the soft evening light are represented with tranquility and attention to detail.