Rocky Landscape with Pines 1295 - 1345

Zhang Xun painted this “Rocky Landscape with Pines” during the Yuan Dynasty with ink on silk. A towering mountain dominates the composition, its presence resonating with the Daoist and Buddhist ideals of harmony with nature. Observe the way these mountains have been depicted across time, from the detailed precision of classical Chinese paintings to the more abstract representations in later periods. Mountains serve as powerful symbols that reach back into ancient times. They can represent stability, endurance, and a connection between the earthly and spiritual realms. In psychological terms, mountains symbolize challenges, journeys, and the deep-seated desire for understanding and self-realization. The recurring image of mountains in art reflects a cyclical journey—a continuous return to fundamental human questions and a profound emotional bond with the natural world.