Spring Excursion

The Spring Excursion by Zhan Ziqian of the Sui Dynasty (581-618) is a gem of Chinese landscape painting. Born into a noble family, Zhan served as an official and later became known as a professional painter.

The Spring Excursion depicts nobles playing in the mountains. This painting was composed using mainly blue and green hues and by adding powdered gold and white powders, giving it a magnificent look and lofty ambience. From the mountain rocks in the distance to the nearby trees, the painting technique remains constant. The mountains, made to appear more majestic by nearby trees, and the water became the main themes of the painting. Wide rivers and white clouds among hills almost create the semblance of a soft, singing voice. The figures in the painting, though very small, are remarkable in the way they highlight the work's motif -- a spring excursion. Brush strokes and color fillings are also elaborate.

Court Ladies Wielding Fans

The painting was done by Zhou Fang, a great portrait painter during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Zhou was born into a noble family in Chang'an. His portraiture is very expressive.

Zhou Fang's "Hui Shan Shi Nv Tu" (Court Ladies Wielding Fans) represents the outstanding achievements of depicting ladies of the court in the Tang Dynasty. Women in the pictures are vigorous, healthy, graceful and noble, representative of the magnificent beauty of the women during the prosperous Tang period.