Autumnal Color Among Mount Quan and Mount Hua 1723

Jin Yongxi painted ‘Autumnal Color Among Mount Quan and Mount Hua’ with ink and color on paper during the Qing dynasty. Dominating the scene are the mountains, echoing the Taoist reverence for nature's grandeur, representing not just landscape, but also moral and spiritual ideals. Observe the recurring motif of the towering mountain, a symbol deeply embedded in the collective consciousness of humankind. Think of the ziggurats of Mesopotamia, or the pyramids of Egypt. These ancient structures mimic the mountain's form, reflecting a universal desire to connect with the heavens, to establish a link between the earthly and the divine. In Chinese culture, mountains have always been the dwelling place of immortals, reflecting humanity's search for transcendence. Notice how the image evokes a deep sense of tranquility and reflection. It acts as a mirror, reflecting our own subconscious longings for peace and spiritual understanding. The symbol of the mountain resurfaces through time, constantly transformed, yet eternally linked to our primal desire to bridge the gap between humanity and the cosmos.