Schildering 1700 - 1750

This landscape painting was created by Gao Qipei, who lived from 1661 to 1734, using ink on paper. Now, what’s really interesting here is not just the scene, but the way the ink has been applied. Look closely, and you'll see that rather than using a brush, Qipei has painted with his fingers. The soft, smudged quality of the ink gives the mountain an ethereal, almost dreamlike quality. This technique, which requires a deep understanding of the material, allows for subtle gradations of tone, and a sense of immediacy. Finger painting, of course, has its own history. We associate it with childhood play, a primal engagement with material. Here, Qipei has elevated it to a high art, demonstrating that even the simplest of means can yield profound aesthetic results. It’s a reminder that art isn't just about subject matter, but also about the artist's direct, tactile engagement with their materials.