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"Illustrations of Lin Hejing's Poems" by Xi Gang, Qing Dynasty

This is a colored paper hanging scroll by Xi Gang, a master seal engraver and painter of the "Zhe School" in the Qing Dynasty. It depicts a secluded winter mountain dwelling scene based on the poem by Lin Hejing of the Northern Song Dynasty.

Inheriting history

This scroll has a clear provenance, having been passed down through the hands of Jiangnan literati and renowned figures associated with the Xiling Seal Society since the mid-to-late Qing Dynasty. In modern times, it has circulated among top private collections both domestically and internationally, and has made a remarkable appearance at major international art auctions (such as Xiling Seal Society and China Guardian), and is in excellent condition.

Academic background and publications

Xi Gang was one of the "Eight Masters of Xiling," and his painting style followed that of Huang Gongwang and Dong Qichang. This work is inscribed with a poem by Lin Hejing, "Half of the green mountains are covered with cold clouds..." It blends the dry, cracked brushstrokes of autumn wind into the landscape, and is a core artifact for studying the "incorporation of seals into painting" in Qing Dynasty literati painting and the evolution of the artistic style of Xiling Seal Society painters.

Authoritative verification

This authentic work has been rigorously examined by experts in calligraphy and painting authentication from the Palace Museum and authoritative auction houses. The handwritten poem in the upper right corner, the signature "Meng Daoshi Gang," and the personal seals such as "Xi Gang's Seal" and "Tie Sheng" all perfectly match the authoritative seal catalogues, and are generally recognized as a masterpiece of landscape painting by Xi Gang.

Detailed Interpretation | Xi Gang's "Illustrations of Lin Hejing's Poems" from the Qing Dynasty

The painting is a vertical scroll with a high and distant composition, depicting high mountains, villages, and withered trees shrouded in cold clouds. In the upper right corner, there is a poem by Lin Hejing in Xi Gang's own handwriting in running script, along with the signature "Meng Daoshi Gang" and two precious name seals.

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