Liu Chen and Ruan Zhao Entering the Tiantai Mountains 1271 - 1333

"Liu Chen and Ruan Zhao Entering the Tiantai Mountains" is a handscroll painting by Zhao Cangyun, a prominent figure in the Yuan dynasty (1271-1333) known for his elegant landscapes. The ink-and-color artwork depicts a scene of two literary figures walking towards a mountain range. The figures, Liu Chen and Ruan Zhao, were both Tang dynasty (618-907) scholars and poets who were known for their love of nature. The scroll's long and narrow format, characteristic of handscrolls, guides the viewer's eye across the scene, highlighting the figures' journey through the majestic landscape. This work exemplifies the Song and Yuan dynasty preference for landscape painting and is a testament to Zhao Cangyun's skill in capturing the beauty and serenity of nature.