White Crane Mountain, leaf from Album for Zhou Lianggong 1654 - 1655

Ye Xin rendered this leaf from an album for Zhou Lianggong in ink on paper. Notice how mountains rise, not merely as geological formations, but as symbols of steadfastness and spiritual refuge. For centuries, mountains have appeared in Asian art representing power and longevity. This imagery can be traced back to ancient creation myths and shamanistic traditions where mountains were seen as connections between earth and the heavens, places inhabited by deities and immortals. The mountain evokes a sense of sublime awe and personal connection to something greater than oneself. Like the Renaissance pyramids, here it is not just a physical feature, but a symbolic representation of the path to enlightenment. This echoes through centuries, appearing in various guises, reflecting humanity’s enduring quest for meaning and transcendence. The mountain, as a motif, continues to invite us to explore the depths of our collective memory.