Artwork Description

Title: Li River Misty Rain Map

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
Li River Misty Rain Map by Quanzong Zhang is a luminous and poetic landscape painted in ink and color on paper, measuring 136 by 70 centimeters. The composition presents an ethereal vista of mist-shrouded karst mountains rising above the tranquil waters of the Li River. A tree adorned with delicate pink blossoms anchors the foreground—likely representing plum or cherry blossoms—serving as a tender counterpoint to the atmospheric expanse beyond. The interplay of soft hues and layered textures invites the viewer into a dreamlike reverie.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Zhang’s work exemplifies the Chinese shan shui (mountain-water) tradition, particularly influenced by Southern school painting, where expressive brushwork and poetic mood take precedence over precise topographical detail. The use of mist and reflection evokes classical compositions from the Tang and Song dynasties, while the blooming tree introduces a lyrical seasonal element. The Li River, a frequent subject in Chinese poetry and painting, is rendered here with quiet elegance and romantic restraint.

3. Historical Context
The Li River and its surrounding landscapes have long been celebrated in Chinese cultural history, often symbolizing harmony, solitude, and the eternal dialogue between mountain and water. Plum and cherry blossoms, typically associated with resilience, transience, and spring renewal, provide additional layers of meaning. In portraying this natural tableau during mist and rain, Zhang evokes both the spiritual ethos of Chinese literati painting and the melancholic beauty found in seasonal transformation.

4. Provenance and Authenticity
For full provenance information and certificates of authenticity, please contact the gallery directly. All documentation is available to support confident acquisition.

5. Condition and Conservation
The painting is in excellent condition with stable pigments and a clean paper surface. There is no evidence of restoration or discoloration. The brushwork and color layers are intact and clear. Professional archival framing and climate-controlled display are advised to preserve the work’s integrity.

6. Artistic Significance
Li River Misty Rain Map demonstrates Quanzong Zhang’s refined approach to capturing the poetic essence of landscape. The combination of traditional motifs—mist, river, mountain, and blossom—with his controlled palette and atmospheric depth results in a work that is both timeless and emotionally resonant. It stands as a compelling example of contemporary Chinese painting grounded in classical sensibility, making it a valuable addition to both private and institutional collections.