Where I live, the maple trees are now ablaze with the warm hues of autumn. It feels fitting to explore a few Chinese paintings that themed on this beautiful season. Through these timeless works, we catch glimpses of autumn as seen through the eyes of Chinese artists from centuries ago, resonating with the emotions they captured and immortalized in their art.
Firstly we will zoom in on three pairs of paintings in detail:
The first pair (Red Mountains and Red Trees and Autumn Colors in the Mountains and Streams) presents the natural characteristic of autumn: its warm colours and the ethereal presence of mist.
The second pair (Snow Mountains and Red Trees and Waiting for the Ferry on an Autumn River ) captures human experiences in autumn: the approach of winter urges us to seek warmth in one another, reunions bring joy to our hearts while separations deepen the sense of nostalgia for sensitive souls.
The final pair (River Village in Autumn Dawn and Herd of Deer in a Maple Grove) shifts our perspective to a grander scale, where humanity recedes into the background and the beauty and fragility of nature take centre stage.
Full images of these paintings can be viewed by clicking on the image or on the painting title below the image.
I. Natural Characteristics of Autumn: Colours and Mist
Lan Ying (1585–1664), a renowned painter of the late Ming Dynasty, captured the grandeur of nature in his work Red Mountains and Red Trees. The use of bold colours red, orange and blue gives a sense of vitality, evoking the warmth of autumn and celebrating the season's richness.
Red Mountains and Red Trees by Lan Ying, Ming dynasty (1368-1644)
While Zhao Ji (1082 - 1135), Emperor Huizong of Song, presents us a mystical and utopic landscape in his work Autumn Colors in the Mountains and Streams. In a mist-filled land, mountain peaks emerge faintly through the fog, and winding streams flow into a vast, open river. Fishermen cast their nets, and boats rest along the riverbanks. With large areas of open sky and a bird’s-eye perspective, the painting conveys a profound sense of vastness and serenity.
Autumn Colors in the Mountains and Streams by Zhao Ji, Emperor Huizong of Song, Song dynasty (960-1279)
II. Human experiences
As in the Analects of Confucius, "Is it not delightful to have friends coming from distant quarters? " An anonymous artist of the Ming dynasty depicts an autumn scene where a gathering of friends unfolds in a fairy-tale-like setting. Amid snow-covered mountains, a man sits quietly in his studio, gazing out of an open window as he waits for his guest. His residence is surrounded by trees adorned with vibrant autumn colours.
Snow Mountains and Red Trees (After Zhang Sengyou) by Anonymous, Ming dynasty (1368-1644)
Not far away over a bridge, the guest and his servants make their way toward the house. The scene is both tranquil and dynamic, blending the warmth of human presence with the crisp, serene beauty of late autumn.
Snow Mountains and Red Trees (After Zhang Sengyou) by Anonymous, Ming dynasty (1368-1644)
For the voyager embarking on a new journey this season, what thoughts occupy his mind as he sits and waits for his ferry at the riverside? In Shen Mao's Waiting for the Ferry on an Autumn River, we are invited to contemplate with the two travelers depicted below.
Waiting for the Ferry on an Autumn River by Sheng Mao, Yuan dynasty (1271-1368)
The ferry they await is far, far away, nearing the foot of distant mountains on the far side of the mighty river, and the wait may be long. Yet, our travelers are in no hurry; this unintentional pause in time grants them the perfect excuse for a rare moment of complete idleness.
Waiting for the Ferry on an Autumn River by Sheng Mao, Yuan dynasty (1271-1368)
III. Grand Nature
When humanity recedes into the background, what is happening in the nature in this season? Imagine an autumn dawn when everyone is still asleep. Would you wonder what the nature is up to in thess drowsy hours? Zhao Lingrang's River Village in Autumn Dawn paints the scene for us.
In a corner of the riverside village at autumn dawn, a light mist drifts through the air.
River Village in Autumn Dawn by Zhao Lingrang, Song dynasty (960-1127)
At this early hour, no one is in sight except for a flock of wild geese, wings beating as they ascend into the sky.
The entire painting exudes a serene, dreamlike quality, with a gentle stillness that feels almost ethereal, while the departure of the birds adds a touch of movement, introducing a dynamic contrast to the tranquil scene.
River Village in Autumn Dawn by Zhao Lingrang, Song dynasty (960-1127)
Now, further away from any human presence, in an autumn maple grove, a herd of deer are obviously alerted by the presence of potential danger. The leading stag stands on guard, ears pricked as it listens intently, raising its head to survey the surroundings for any approaching threats. Other deer, slightly panicked, turn their heads toward the source of the sound, their expressions tense and focused.
Herd of Deer in a Maple Grove by Anonymous, Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms (907-979)
The contrast between the serene autumn maple trees and the sudden surprise creates a captivating interplay, allowing us to experience a different kind of emotion amidst the beautiful scenery.
Hope you enjoyed this brief guided tour of the paintings. Feel free to stroll through more paintings on autumn below.
