Emulating the Classics in Chinese Landscape Painting: In Search of Ni Zan
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Calligraphy and Paintings
By Dong Qichang (1555–1636), China, Ming dynasty, 1629Asian Gallery (Toyokan) Room 8
April 22, 2025 (Tue) - June 1, 2025 (Sun)The current exhibition presents Chinese landscape paintings that emulate the classics. They are based on the work of Ni Zan (1301–1374), a Chinese painter known for his minimalist, unpopulated landscapes of sparse trees and distant mountains, separated by a quiet body of water. Illustrated only with light ink, his landscapes became famous for their muted and refined style depicting a complete detachment from all worldly affairs. Ni Zan’s work left a profound influence on later generations of painters, who emulated his style in their own way. Enjoy the variations of his landscapes on display in this gallery.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Important Art Object | Autumn Grove Dwelling | By Wang Fu (1368–1416), China | Ming dynasty, 1401 | TA-366 | ||
| Highlight | Calligraphy and Paintings | By Dong Qichang (1555–1636), China | Ming dynasty, 1629 | TA-184 | |||
| Highlight | Landscapes | By Li Shizhuo (1687–1770), China | Qing dynasty, 18th century | TA-286 | |||
| Highlight | Landscape in the Style of Ding Yunpeng | By Huang Yi (1744–1802), China | Qing dynasty, 1790 | Gift of Dr. Hayashi Munetake, TA-482 |