Cao Zhibai, Yuan Dynasty
Ink on silk
86.3*51.4cm

Cao Zhibai was skilful at painting the landscapes of the regions south of the Yangtze River, with a clear, mellow, sparse but elegant style. This picture portrays a corner of the hills in the Tai Lake district in summer. Projections of floating clouds are seen on the river. The hills stretch far in the distance; they are painted with various-colored ink and light-ink strokes to show the shades and texture of the rocks and hills, very pleasing to the viewer. The river with many turns winds into the distance; trees of many kinds grow along the banks. The painter and his poetry friend each row a boat, chatting across the water and seemingly forgetting to go home for dinner. The poem on the top right corner was composed and inscribed by Ni Zan. Between scholars and painters, it was a common and courteous gesture to ask one's good friend to inscribe a poem on a work satisfactory to oneself.