Shitao (1642-1718)
Pine Trees on Green Cliffs
hanging scroll, ink and color on paper
Shanghai Museum
Inscription:
Towering pines thrust into the sky
Green precipices sink deep in the water
Floating over the range of mists, that pavilion
Who is there leaning upon a railing, overlooking?
The hazy void of solitude rules.
Vapor supersedes the rain.
What a picture of mountain, water, houses and wood!
The mad manner of Guo Zhongshu (ca. 910-977) becomes charming
when one recalls it. All those who indulged in brush and ink and roamed
in the spiritual realm should be viewed in this way.