The Qing-dynasty artist and antiquarian Wen Ding mastered the arts of painting, calligraphy, and seal carving, and also assembled a fine collection of bronzes, stones, and other early Chinese cultural artifacts. He was likely inspired by the painting style of Wen Zhengming (1470−1559), from whom he was possibly a descendant, and the seal-carving techniques of Wen Peng (1498−1573; Wen Zhengming’s oldest son). This and three other paintings in LACMA’s collection (see M.74.92.2, M.75.88.1, and M.75.88.2) may originally have belonged to an album that included more images. As topographical landscapes of the famous Mount Yandang in Zhejiang Province, the album leaves provide faithful records of specific sites, although Wen Ding took some liberties by idealizing certain features. The names of scenic places are indicated with tiny labels, and the artist’s sense of humor is evident in the depictions of some of these locations. The set of paintings could have functioned as personal memorabilia or as advertisements for a spectacularly beautiful destination.
This leaf opens on the left with Iron-Board Peak. Nearby is General Rock, so called for its resemblance to a military general. People stroll across two bridges. Above the foreground bridge is Reciting Sutra Rock. In the background, left to right, are the Temple of Universal Doors, Stone Screen Peak, Opening Flag Peak, Priest Rock, Hibiscus Peak, and Five Elders Peak, which consists of five columnlike formations. Next to it is Soaring Peak Cave, located on a spinous peak. A figure carrying a load ascends a long, steep stairway leading to the cave. In the middle right is the Temple of Spiritual Peak.
The inscription reads: “Made by Houshan Wen Ding.” The two seals read “Wen Ding” and “Houshan.”
Wan Kong
2024