Thousands of Ravines and Mountains Overflow with Gold
Quanzong Zhang
Artwork Details
Artwork Description
Title: Thousands of Ravines and Mountains Overflow with Gold
Artist: Quanzong Zhang
Date: Undated
Medium: Chinese painting, ink and color on paper
Dimensions: 53.5 x 27.6 in (136 x 70 cm)
1. Artwork Identification
In Thousands of Ravines and Mountains Overflow with Gold, Quanzong Zhang presents a dynamic and atmospheric vision of nature in full grandeur. Rendered in ink and color on paper, the composition spans 136 by 70 centimeters and features sweeping peaks, deep ravines, and drifting mists enveloping the mountainous terrain. Golden hues accent the ridgelines and skies, suggesting the light of dawn or dusk as it bathes the natural forms. Zhang’s vigorous brushwork and tonal contrasts lend the work both drama and depth.
2. Artistic Style and Influences
Zhang’s technique blends the expressive brush language of the Northern Song landscape tradition with later innovations in color and composition. The use of vibrant gold and ochre tones evokes the “blue-and-green” style (qinglü shanshui) that flourished during the Tang and Ming dynasties, but with a contemporary intensity. His controlled ink modulations, from crisp outlines to fluid washes, create a rhythm that mirrors the grandeur and complexity of the depicted landscape.
3. Historical Context
In Chinese visual culture, mountains symbolize permanence and spiritual elevation, while ravines and mist serve as metaphors for mystery, transformation, and the unseen. The golden light that appears to pour over the landscape may reference not only a time of day but also a sense of prosperity and illumination. By evoking such imagery, Zhang joins a long tradition of Chinese painters who used nature as a philosophical and emotional vehicle, rooted in Daoist and Confucian ideals.
4. Provenance and Authenticity
Please contact the gallery directly for provenance details and documentation. Certificates of authenticity are available for qualified collectors upon request.
5. Condition and Conservation
This work is in excellent condition. The ink and pigments are vibrant and show no signs of fading or deterioration. The paper support is clean, well-tensioned, and without visible damage or previous restoration. For preservation, archival framing and protection from direct light are recommended.
6. Artistic Significance
Thousands of Ravines and Mountains Overflow with Gold demonstrates Quanzong Zhang’s sophisticated command of traditional Chinese landscape language, merged with an emotive use of color and contrast. The painting stands as a powerful interpretation of the natural world—majestic, mystical, and timeless. It is a notable contribution to contemporary shan shui practice, appealing to collectors who value technical mastery and philosophical depth in Chinese painting.