Hermit Monk in the Mountain Ravine (澗山僧隱圖)

The painting is titled Hermit Monk in the Mountain Ravine. The scene depicts a small temple hidden among the mountains, suggesting that monks are living in seclusion there. The painting features steep mountains and dense trees, with the temple nestled among the foliage, creating an atmosphere of serene isolation. The inscription reads: "The mountain has no path to the monk, concealing the noble hermit. By the riverbank, the immortal boat is docked, remembering the host. Le’an Hailiang at Zai Jia Lou." This inscription conveys the idea of a hermit monk living in seclusion deep in the mountains, avoiding worldly affairs, and mentions that the artist created this painting at "Zai Jia Lou". The use of brush and ink in this painting is exceptionally skillful. The mountains are depicted with varying shades of ink to express their grandeur and texture, while the trees are rendered with delicate strokes to show their lushness. The composition is well-layered, with the trees in the foreground, the mountains in the middle ground, and the distant peaks, all complementing each other. This demonstrates the artist's remarkable technique and profound skill. Hermit Monk in the Mountain Ravine not only showcases the beauty of nature but also conveys the philosophy of a hermit's pursuit of inner peace and spiritual cultivation.