A Solitary Temple amid Clearing Peaks
The first piece of art that caught my attention at the Nelson-Atkins museum was the art “A solitary temple amid clearing peaks,” which is attributed to Cheng. This piece of art was made in china back in the 960A.D. the solitary temple amid clearing peaks is one of the few remaining artworks of Cheng. The scroll is merely a monumental mountain landscape painting. The newly discovered style of architecture inspired the art. The picture has a temple near the center and an image of human activity near the end base of the paint. Cheng, in this painting, used elements of brushwork, making all the features independent of the surrounding. This piece of art contains some features that bring significance to the meaning of the whole picture. The painting has contorted trees, mist-covering mountains, and streams (Tobias). Cheng portrayed a legendary masterpiece in the wisdom that he invested in this painting, and it hence plaid a significant role in China. This piece of art has caused cultural advantages and immense economic advantages to the country and plaid a significant role in the introduction of Buddhism.
Below is the image of the painting retrieved from (“Li Cheng: A Solitary Temple Amid Clearing Peaks | Chinese Painting | China Online Museum”)
Techniques that Cheng used in the painting
This art was subject to the introduction of Buddhism, and it also contributed to many other things. According to revelation and knowledge compilation, this art used several techniques. One of these techniques is moving painting evident with the scrolling hand. The temple in the center of the art made it famous. The method can be compared with early springs by Guo Xi, Travelers Among Mountains and streams by Fan Kuan and landscape in Moonlight by Ma Yuan. These arts are found in China attributed by different people in a similar technique. Landscape technique is evident in the painting, and it brings different meanings. The landscape technique in this painting was used in placing the temple at the center of the drawing. Carefully looking at the landscape of the art, you can see that the art fitted precisely. The features of the painting were then placed in different parts of the art, some overlapping and others being distinguished by the intensity of the brushwork. However, the temple was situated at the center of the art
By strategically positioning the temple, different ideas were brought to light. The center of anything is considered to be its foundation or, in other words, the central part of existence. Because the temple was centrally placed, it was considered to be the most important part of the painting. The art has been made popular by the belief of the public opinion (Reich ). The strategic positioning technique also includes other features that show a pattern with a hidden meaning. The grey graduation and the texture portray an obscure bottom corner. This high style comprises towering rock face, foreground, background, and middle ground. The change of features on the three grounds implies the political instabilities of the country. Temple is the main feature that shows the view of the religion of the art. The art is connected to the introduction of Buddhism in the country. Another important feature is the man riding on a donkey on the ground. This feature is used to show that the man was traveling to feed his soul. The donkey rider, in this case, is used to represent the viewer of the painting.
This painting has contributed a lot to the political and religious moves of the Chinese people. Spirituality is one of the essential traits of the nation. In the real sense, without art or religion, there is no possibility of making allowances that play with other faculties to make true morality of a nation. Cheng used this painting as a way of communicating with his people about his thoughts on the nation and his natural feelings. The features conveyed the spirituality and beliefs or reveal ideas that correspond to inspiring beliefs. The art acted as a vessel to communicate spirituality. The art was essential to the doctrine of China in that it introduced Buddhism. Buddhism religion has been the main religion in some parts of China. The faith has helped many families acquire independence and blessings through prayers and sacrifices. At the same time, unity has grown due to Buddha teachings and guidance.
The artwork by Cheng has very much impacted creativity in the art industry. In his painting, he used different painting elements to make sure that the picture looked world-class, and by doing this, he enhanced the creativity among artists worldwide. According to public opinion, art has always portrayed a sign of joy. The great brushwork has attracted a large number of viewers to the site. Happiness is established in different ways. When the viewers can interpret the hidden meaning of the art, they get enjoyed the great connection of the viewers.
Works Cited
“Li Cheng: A Solitary Temple Amid Clearing Peaks | Chinese Painting | China Online Museum.” China Online Museum – Chinese Art, Calligraphy, Painting, Ceramics, Artwork Galleries, www.chinaonlinemuseum.com/painting-li-cheng-a-solitary-temple.php.
Reich, Aaron. “The Landscape Painting of China: Musings of a Journeyman by Harrie A. Vanderstappen.” China Review International, vol. 20, no. 3-4, 2016, pp. 382-386.
Tobias, Michael. A Vision of Nature: Traces of the Original World. Kent State UP, 1995.