Landscape 

Qiu Ying made this landscape painting sometime in the mid-16th century, with ink and color on silk. The material itself is fundamental to understanding the work. Silk provides a receptive ground for the ink, allowing it to flow and blend in ways that paper wouldn't. The controlled application of ink washes demands intense concentration and skill. There's no room for error with this method. The artist must have years of experience to achieve the desired effects. Look closely at the painting’s linear quality, capturing the essence of the landscape. This technique emphasizes the texture of the rocks and the flowing water. The color palette is subdued, but rich, giving a sense of depth and atmosphere. This kind of painting was created to be appreciated for its technical skill, but also to show the relationship between people and nature. Ultimately, this painting invites us to contemplate the time and labor involved in its creation, the skill of the artist, and the cultural values it represents. This challenges us to reconsider what we consider art, and what we consider craft.