Creek in winter 1693

Shitao created this serene landscape with ink on paper, a pairing integral to traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy. The fluid and absorbent nature of paper allows ink to bleed and blend, creating soft washes and subtle gradations in tone. Notice the different densities of ink used to depict the creek, the rocks, and the bare trees; these variations give depth and dimension to the composition. The brushstrokes, rapidly applied, convey the artist's mastery and control, but also a sense of spontaneity. This work is part of a long lineage of landscape painting, where the artist's engagement with the natural world intertwines with philosophical and spiritual contemplation. In this context, materials and processes transcend mere technique; they become vehicles for self-expression and cultural meaning. Shitao challenges distinctions between skill and artistry, asking us to appreciate the knowledge embedded in the making.