Finger Painting 1684

"Finger Painting" (1684) by Gao Qipei (1661–1734) depicts a mountaintop temple complex, likely the Putuoshan Temple, located off the coast of Zhejiang province, China, with a variety of boats traveling in the surrounding waters. The minimalist style of the work highlights the mountain's imposing presence and serene atmosphere. The piece is considered an exemplary example of Chinese landscape painting, utilizing ink wash and light color tones to create a sense of depth and atmospheric perspective. This artwork, currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, showcases Qipei's mastery of the traditional artistic techniques of the Qing dynasty.