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Landscape: mountain and water; a figure under a plum tree
16th-early 17th century


Joseon period

Ink on silk
H: 102.4 W: 54.6 cm
Korea

Gift of Charles Lang Freer F1907.143

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The theme of a scholar gazing into a mist-laden landscape reflects the influence of Chinese artists such as Ma Yuan and Hsia Kuei, who were active during the Southern Sung period (1127-1279). However, the attenuated composition, the dramatic contrast of light and dark ink washes and the bold faceting of the mountain peaks are features more closely related to the conservative Che School traditions that developed during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). The Korean artist intrepreted the earlier Chinese traditions as a suitable way to display his own technical ability.