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

Zhao Cangyun made this ink-on-paper artwork, "Liu Chen and Ruan Zhao Entering the Tiantai Mountains," sometime in the late 13th or early 14th century. The painting depicts two Han dynasty men who get lost in the Tiantai Mountains. The story of Liu and Ruan reflects the Taoist philosophy that was growing in popularity at the time in China. The story emphasizes simplicity and nature over ambition and wealth. Zhao Cangyun and other artists from this period promoted an introspective lifestyle, which can be seen as a reaction to the Mongol invasion of China. They were promoting Chinese culture, so they were against the Yuan rulers. The painting is a visual code against the political ideas of the time. To fully understand this painting, we would need to research Chinese philosophy, history, and the Yuan Dynasty. Understanding art always relies on understanding social and institutional contexts.