Peach Blossoms at Mountain Mouth (Translation)
山口桃花冊頁 清晚期 吳允徠 紙本設色 (Primary Title)
Wu Yunlai, Chinese, ca.1850 - 1910 (Artist)
Wu’s Landscapes of Southern China: A master of literati painting in the late Qing dynasty, Wu Yunlai, also known as Wu Zhongyuan, was born in Qiantang (present-day Hangzhou). Trained by his mother in painting, calligraphy, and poetry, Wu producedan outstanding array of works in various mediums from landscape painting on paper or silk to painted ceramic panels. The twelve landscape paintings in this album depict the serene and reclusive scenes of southern China, a subject favored by educated elites. Stylistically these paintings illustrate Wu’s study of early masters and his creative individual style, evident in his vivid use of color and his success in poetry and calligraphy.
The inscription reads as follows: Sadly I look, but there are no sylphs to be seen. Year after year, peach blossoms bloom by themselves at the mouth of the mountain.
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