Pure and Remote View of Streams and Mountains

"Pure and Remote View of Streams and Mountains" is a renowned hand scroll painting by Xia Gui, a master of Chinese landscape painting from the Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279). Flourishing from 1195 to 1224, Xia Gui was a cofounder of the Ma-Xia school, known for its dynamic and often romantic style.1

This particular work, executed on paper in rich ink tones, is considered a brilliant example of ink monochrome technique. Xia Gui's style is characterized by short, sharp, angular strokes and a masterful use of ink washes to depict atmospheric perspective, creating a sense of spaciousness and mist. The composition features dramatic juxtapositions of near and far elements, with the void playing as significant a role as the solid masses, conveying a peaceful, mist-hung terrain. This painting exemplifies the Ma-Xia school's ability to capture nature's essence with expressive brushwork and a focus on spatial depth.1