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Spring River Reluctant to Hold the Traveler, Green Grass Sending the Horse’s Hooves

Art Appreciation

This delicate ink and watercolor painting captures a serene moment of a solitary traveler riding a horse through a lush spring landscape. The sparse but confident brushstrokes depict the gentle sway of willow branches leaning in from the top right, their fresh green leaves rendered with both fluidity and precision. The figure on horseback, dressed in traditional attire and a distinct hat, emanates a quiet contemplativeness as he moves through the soft grassy terrain below. The minimalistic background with a few calligraphic lines in the upper left fits naturally into the composition, balancing the movement of the leaves and the steady gait of the horse.

The use of gentle green and muted earth tones not only enhances the tranquil atmosphere but also evokes the burgeoning vitality of spring. The artist’s brushwork oscillates between controlled calligraphic lines for the man and horse and free-flowing strokes for the vegetative elements, creating a harmonious rhythm that breathes life into an otherwise simple scene. The presence of traditional calligraphy adds a poetic layer, referencing the Tang dynasty poet Liu Changqing’s farewell poem, which enriches the work with historical depth and emotional poignancy—capturing the inevitable passage of time and the bittersweet essence of departure. This artwork invites the viewer to pause, listen to the rustling grass, and feel the gentle breeze, embodying a timeless connection to nature and human experience.

Spring River Reluctant to Hold the Traveler, Green Grass Sending the Horse’s Hooves

Feng Zikai

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Created:

Date unknown

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Dimensions:

2778 × 4314 px

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